Calving at different times of the year

[CESpeed]

I would really like to have calves born about 6 months so I have a continual supply of meat. I'm thinking like some born in April, others in October. I've heard that the preference is to calve all cows as close to each other as possible, but is my idea too far off the beaten path to work?

 

[goodhors]

Somehow I missed the reason for having a steady stream of meat. Do you plan to sell it?
Does your family (large or extended family) eat an extrordinary amount of meat? A steer usually
provides quite a bit if he is let develop until 18-24 months. Processing a smaller breed or younger
animal does reduce the amount for the freezer. No critisism meant. Half a steer lasts us
about a year, family of four. We do eat a LOT of (great!) lamb and get pork as well, not just eating beef.

Yes you can breed to have calves year around, but the later season calves will usually cost
a bit more because there is no grazing. You have to feed the cows to keep them producing
milk enough for calves and staying in good condition. This can raise expenses if you have very
many calves, so price of meat will cost you more. Calves are smaller when cold and winter weather
hits, may have more issues with their health because they are smaller.

I am big on saving money, so that extra feeding cost would be a big consideration in my calving dates.
Also the health issues of small calves in the cold. Just don't want to deal with problems in the cold. I
already fertilize the fields, mow regular, so grass cost is less than haying (purchase and putting up),
with additional grain feeding would be. I do feed the animals grain for the last month or 6 weeks
because we like the additional fat in the meats. I think any grazing animals get more from grass, than
they get from hay, look better, babies get a better start in life with less work on my part. Winter or cold
weather doctoring is just a pain, so I want to avoid it.

There is a big reason most folks go with early Spring calving, it just works better for them and the animals,
staying more productive as producers, for the least cost.

So there are some other ideas to toss around in your figuring! Again, not a critic, just adding to your
information.

 

[redtailgal]

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