How to go about raising bovine calves?

Question

I purchased 8 newborn calves. What is a good site for information I can use for their daily care etc.

Answer 1

I really HATE seeing questions like this.  Research should have been done BEFORE you purchase the 8 calves.  They may "only" be livestock, but they feel pain, cold, fear, hunger, ect.  Since they are newborns, they are dependant on you to be a proper mother.

You have milk replacer, bottles, and bottle holders, I assume?  You can feed two calves at a time...with eight calves, you need bottle holders, so you can feed them all at once.

You have proper shelter, with warm bedding, I assume?  Be sure to keep it extremely clean (and the bottles).  Newborn calves are very prone to scours.  Calves can die very quickly from scours.

You don't state what kind of calves you purchased, and what they are for.  Are they dairy replacement heifers?  Are they dairy bull calves?  Are they beef calves?

Do you know how to castrate bull calves?



If they are not dehorned, you need to have them dehorned in the first two weeks of their life, or deal with cattle that grow up and have horns (unless they are naturally polled).

Did they have colostrum?  If not, it's too late once they are 24 hours old.  If they didn't have colostrum, they are going to be extremely prone to contracting every single germ than comes down the pike.

Is it cold where you are?  You may need to provide a heat lamp, depending on how warm your shelter is.  

You need to provide a tremendous amount more information, before people can go about giving you accurate information/advice.

~Garnet

Homesteading/Farming over 20 years

Answer 2

cattle are a good business to get out of

Answer 3

Have electrolites on hand for the scours (diarhea).

Answer 4

I"ve raised lots and lots of calves. It takes a lot of work. Remember, calves are babies, we become the momma to the calf,  when we take on the task of rasing it. Here are some hints I'll pass along to you.

Calves do best when they get a good dose of "first milk" or colostrium as their first food, this milk is loaded with antibodies, and stymulates their immune system to copy those antibodies for itself. Then...calves benifit from small regular feedings, at least three a day to start with, rather than one big feeding a day. Wear an apron, it can be pretty messy at first.

A momma cow gives her calf a lot of attention. It is good to rub them each day, makes them thrive when they feel "loved" and the mom's always l**k them.

Calf bottle holders are great. Some times you have to make the nipple hole a little bigger but be careful not to make it too big, 'cause if the milk comes out too fast it can choke the calf, and if milk gets down in the calf's lungs the calf can get "mechanical pneumonia" which can take them out pretty fast.

Over feeding is the most common beginner mistake, by "over feeding" I mean giving the calf too much at one time.

Keep them clean and dry, give them enough space, feed them regularly.  Don't over feed. Consistancy! consistancy! consistancy! Then they will thrive.

Here are some links:

http://www.calfnotes.com/pdffiles/CNCE04...

http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sustainab...

http://www.google.com/search?q=bottle+fe...

Answer 5

www.motherearthnews.com has many articles on this a much more.  At the very least that site will point you in the right direction.

Answer 6

Some good advice in this column.  As noted, informing yourself before buying calves would have been better...   Cliff note version of raising calves:

1) Keep them on dry bedding!!!

2) Feed them twice a day, 2 quarts at each feeding.  

3) At two weeks of age, begin feeding small amounts of starter pellets or starter feed, this usually has some molasses or sweet stuff on it.  After feeding milk, place small amounts of the feed in there mouth for them to chew on, this will help get them started.

4) Provide small amounts of fresh water daily when starting the feed.  Increase amount as needed in a pan for free choice consumption.

5) Also at two weeks start providing a small handful of alfalfa hay.  They will not eat it at first, but will begin nibbling on the leafy part as their appetites increase.

6) Wean from milk between 6-8 weeks.  When they are consuming grain and water, the milk can be reduced and taken away.

7) Watch their manure for firm consistent bowel movements.  Runny manure is a sign of scours.  

8) Check with your local vet that works with large animals, for proper vaccinations at this time and in several weeks, info on how to deal with scours and the use of electrlyte solutions and any other issues that he can reccomend.  

9) Dehorn the calves within two weeks.

Your calves need vaccination shots now and in three weeks, a shot of Vit A&D and possibly selenium.  This may be covered by a Multi-Mineral type of injection.  Ask your vet.

Do not keep the calves in an enclosed barn.  You will kill them from improper ventilation. Fresh air is best.  If you can separate the calves till they are weaned into individual pens this will be best.

Listen to your calves, watch your calves.  If there ears droop, trouble picking up their head, not vigorous, loss of appetite, coughing, something is wrong.

Most importantly, keep them dry and plenty of fresh air.  Good luck.