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- Nov 25, 2017
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Weaning can be so traumatizing for babies. It’s a necessary part of a cow calf opporation.
As I sit here and watch the stragglers going back into the herd after weaning (fluke year) I have to sit and chuckle at certain calves determination.
We have a cow that lost her first calf and being a pet (yes I admit she a pet just don’t tell hubby) I found her a needy newborn. Got lucky and found bwf (Black white face) heifer. Well it turned into a match made in heaven which has been really rewarding.
Had to wean her a tad earlier than we normally do since feed was a bit thin and mom was getting sucked down more than I like. We normally are done months ago.
Our normal procedure anymore is a weaning flap for 3-4 day’s then fence wean for a month or two depending on the determination of the cows and calves. Has worked very well. Very low stress with minor bowling. Usually not much at all.
We’re at 6 weeks for these remaining two stragglers and one could care less. The other, this adopted heifer, well, she’s a stubborn one. Mom is good with the weaning. Her... not so much! That tail is swishing with frustration as she’s following mom around trying so hard to nurse. Mom is pushing her away and trying to loose her amongst the rest of the herd and this heifer is like a professional tracker.
We’re about a half hour in now and she’s starting to get the hint. The true test will be this evening at herd check. I’ve had mom’s re-start lactation. I’d rather avoid that.
It’s the little things Just thought I’d share my chuckle.
As I sit here and watch the stragglers going back into the herd after weaning (fluke year) I have to sit and chuckle at certain calves determination.
We have a cow that lost her first calf and being a pet (yes I admit she a pet just don’t tell hubby) I found her a needy newborn. Got lucky and found bwf (Black white face) heifer. Well it turned into a match made in heaven which has been really rewarding.
Had to wean her a tad earlier than we normally do since feed was a bit thin and mom was getting sucked down more than I like. We normally are done months ago.
Our normal procedure anymore is a weaning flap for 3-4 day’s then fence wean for a month or two depending on the determination of the cows and calves. Has worked very well. Very low stress with minor bowling. Usually not much at all.
We’re at 6 weeks for these remaining two stragglers and one could care less. The other, this adopted heifer, well, she’s a stubborn one. Mom is good with the weaning. Her... not so much! That tail is swishing with frustration as she’s following mom around trying so hard to nurse. Mom is pushing her away and trying to loose her amongst the rest of the herd and this heifer is like a professional tracker.
We’re about a half hour in now and she’s starting to get the hint. The true test will be this evening at herd check. I’ve had mom’s re-start lactation. I’d rather avoid that.
It’s the little things Just thought I’d share my chuckle.