Post by Haddiecakes on Aug 15, 2019 0:06:13 GMT -5
This is my first post! And I wish it was under better circumstances. I'll try to get as much information in as I can.
Now, I have 2, 3 year old jerseys both in their 2nd lactation. The one we've had since a bottle calf, she a bit smaller pot bellied sassy girl who doesn't produce a ton. I actually stopped milking her this year as she was only giving a half gallon OAD with calf sharing. She holds condition well without supplementing or graining.
The second Jersey we bought in late April this year to replace as a milking cow. She was sold from a older couple who couldn't afford to feed her due to the terrible year they had. She was a little on the thinner side from perfect condition and wasnt supposed to freshen til mid june so I figured she would have time to gain some on our good pasture. My surprise when she calved in may! Big beautiful bull calf. She's a heavy producer, 2 gallon easy OAD plus the calf who is large and aggressive eater. I had been giving her 8# of whole brown oats during milking but shes been loosing still. This is new to me since all our other livestock do so well without anything fancy.
After some research we're getting her slowly switched over to 16% dairy ration and will be adding soaked beet pulp. She has a molasses lick as well.
Lately shes quit let down and developed a sore between the front quarters which I'm attributing to the poor condition I let her get in as it just creeped up on me.
Now to the whole point of the post, the calf. Hes aggressive when nursing, to the point now where she kicks at him for every bunt. Has cut up the front teats a week ago that I'm still treating for. I'm considering weaning him 1. To lower her production a bit and help get some weight back on her 2. Because hes just so mean!
I've never weaned a calf so early though. He's been eating grain for a month now, is out in pasture 24/7, but if I wean I'd send him out to the summer quarter with the yearlings. Are there any risks? Is it too soon and I should just deal with him? They are separated at night and I milk her in the am before letting her out to graze. Any and all advice is welcome!
Now, I have 2, 3 year old jerseys both in their 2nd lactation. The one we've had since a bottle calf, she a bit smaller pot bellied sassy girl who doesn't produce a ton. I actually stopped milking her this year as she was only giving a half gallon OAD with calf sharing. She holds condition well without supplementing or graining.
The second Jersey we bought in late April this year to replace as a milking cow. She was sold from a older couple who couldn't afford to feed her due to the terrible year they had. She was a little on the thinner side from perfect condition and wasnt supposed to freshen til mid june so I figured she would have time to gain some on our good pasture. My surprise when she calved in may! Big beautiful bull calf. She's a heavy producer, 2 gallon easy OAD plus the calf who is large and aggressive eater. I had been giving her 8# of whole brown oats during milking but shes been loosing still. This is new to me since all our other livestock do so well without anything fancy.
After some research we're getting her slowly switched over to 16% dairy ration and will be adding soaked beet pulp. She has a molasses lick as well.
Lately shes quit let down and developed a sore between the front quarters which I'm attributing to the poor condition I let her get in as it just creeped up on me.
Now to the whole point of the post, the calf. Hes aggressive when nursing, to the point now where she kicks at him for every bunt. Has cut up the front teats a week ago that I'm still treating for. I'm considering weaning him 1. To lower her production a bit and help get some weight back on her 2. Because hes just so mean!
I've never weaned a calf so early though. He's been eating grain for a month now, is out in pasture 24/7, but if I wean I'd send him out to the summer quarter with the yearlings. Are there any risks? Is it too soon and I should just deal with him? They are separated at night and I milk her in the am before letting her out to graze. Any and all advice is welcome!