GrassFarmerGalloway
Melts for all babies
They can go out on pasture right away. If you have enough pasture and you do rotational grazing, you don't even need grain, but a little won't hurt and it'll help them put on weight.farmgirl said:Hi:, I am new to this site, I usually spend all my time on BYC, but I am getting 2 bull calves on Saturday, they are 2 weeks old, and it has been awhile since I have had a calf. I know about the milk replacer, and the grain, but these are going to be field fed, they are my tax break, if I don't have something grazing in out field I will get taxed recreational instead of agriculture. Throw everything at me as far as how long in confinement, when can they start to graze, how soon until I can give them hay (until I get grass here) I am a little scared, I've done this before and got 2 calves that died on me, and It was the straw that broke the camels back. These calves will be my responsibility, and I want to take every measure to make sure that I do everything right to give them a good start.
As for hay, a cow will eat two percent of it's body weight dry matter daily. Let's say your calves are 100 pounds each. That's 2 pounds of hay daily per cow. They'll also grow. A good calf will put on 1-3 pounds per day.
A square bale is 20-40 pounds of hay, usually, but it varies, so weigh your hay. When you can start grazing depends upon where you live, what your climate is like and how long your winters are.
The best thing you can do to give your calves a good start, besides proper care, is a loving, but firm, hand. YOU are their mother now, so teach them proper behavior as you would a child. Don't let them get pushy, but don't alienate them. If your cows run away whenever they see you, you're doing something wrong. Give them time, they'll come to like you, and you'll both be happier.
Send pictures!
GFG
