Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2010 19:56:42 GMT -5
You know, usually I research something to death before actually making a move on it. And while I have been doing quite a bit of research on dairy cows, it seems I forgot some minor detail. What do I do now that she's here?
I have horses, so I've been taught not to change food quickly. The cow was pasture fed and occasionally given soemthing the guy kept calling "chop" some pelleted type of feed.
Currently the cow is haltered and in my overgrown round pen. So she has some forage, but definately not more than a day's worth. I have a square bale of alfalfa for my rabbits, that I could give to her. Just take it easy on me because even though I know that people feed them alfalfa, I don't know the finer details of relocating a cow to a new and strange place. Can I just change her diet? Or does it need to be gradual? I have whole oats and barley as well as Black Oil Sunflower seeds that I feed my chickens.
She is in the roundpen so she and the horses get accustomed to each other and the new surroundings. Also, we want the vet to come check her out and it's easier to catch something in the round pen versus the 5 acre pasture. I also wanted her to get acquainted with me, since we'll be getting very close. So I figured the smaller pen in the middle of the pasture was the safest bet for now, the horses and she can see and smell each other, I can catch, handle, and spoil her with goodies to earn her good favor and she can get used to her new home in a cozy roundpen before being turned loose to roam.
I am going to have her tested for TB and burcellosis for sure. While the vet is out, is there anything else I should have him go over? Should the cow be dewormed or vaccinated for anything? Would the tests, dewormer, or any vaccs hurt her so close to calving?
I can't beleive I forgot such details, but I guess I overlooked them in my excitment. I really don't know anything who keeps a dairy cow as a dairy cow. Most people in the area simply use them as pets or brood animals.
I have horses, so I've been taught not to change food quickly. The cow was pasture fed and occasionally given soemthing the guy kept calling "chop" some pelleted type of feed.
Currently the cow is haltered and in my overgrown round pen. So she has some forage, but definately not more than a day's worth. I have a square bale of alfalfa for my rabbits, that I could give to her. Just take it easy on me because even though I know that people feed them alfalfa, I don't know the finer details of relocating a cow to a new and strange place. Can I just change her diet? Or does it need to be gradual? I have whole oats and barley as well as Black Oil Sunflower seeds that I feed my chickens.
She is in the roundpen so she and the horses get accustomed to each other and the new surroundings. Also, we want the vet to come check her out and it's easier to catch something in the round pen versus the 5 acre pasture. I also wanted her to get acquainted with me, since we'll be getting very close. So I figured the smaller pen in the middle of the pasture was the safest bet for now, the horses and she can see and smell each other, I can catch, handle, and spoil her with goodies to earn her good favor and she can get used to her new home in a cozy roundpen before being turned loose to roam.
I am going to have her tested for TB and burcellosis for sure. While the vet is out, is there anything else I should have him go over? Should the cow be dewormed or vaccinated for anything? Would the tests, dewormer, or any vaccs hurt her so close to calving?
I can't beleive I forgot such details, but I guess I overlooked them in my excitment. I really don't know anything who keeps a dairy cow as a dairy cow. Most people in the area simply use them as pets or brood animals.