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MN | We've been raising some holstein bull calves. Make sure the price is right so you can lose a few - just had a group of 30 and lost 4 so far. I think the underlying problem is they were less than 24 hours old when we got some of them and I suspect there was no colostrum or limited colostrum for three of them and the fourth had a navel infection. We have been keeping in groups in a hoop barn and feeding with a barrel with nipples, but has gotten so cold that its not a lot of fun right now (just about ready to wean). If you have the farrowing barns, someone around here has converted a farrowing barn and has single pens (which translates to more expense) but seems to work well. Look up Milk Bar nursers if you are interested in groups - we just got one for this group and seems to be a pretty decent idea. You have to really watch the calves to see who isn't making the connection and the first day you will think you have lost your mind trying to get them to nurse (we have found out to just push to the barrel, put nipple in mouth and disappear for a little while - they seem to want to follow anyone in the pen). Good luck | |
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Deacon calf?
