Will Cows Wean Calves?

[countryguy]

It is time for me to wean my calves and I kinda got to thinking that it would sure be nice if I didn't have to.I was wondering if the cows would eventually do it themselves naturally?

The cows are in decent shape and I'm not even feeding them heavy yet.The calves are healthy and growing good.Since I calve in June I could pull them off at the beginning of April and the cows would have some time on grass to get ready for calving.

I feel there is a benefit to keeping the calves on the cows in that they learn things from the mothers that should in turn make them hardier cows.(the heifer calves)

Stupid theory?What should I do?

I guess I should explain my situation.The herd is wintered on a half section pasture consisting of about 120 acres of bush.They get no bedding,eat snow for water(if available) and are fed only mixed hay along with 2:1 mineral and salt.I feed in different places all the time so that the cows have to find the feed,and spread the manure at the same time.It is sure making for some tough smart little cows and that's why I think there is a benefit in keeping the calves on.What do you think?

[ALICIA]

Soom cows will, most will not, but most don't milk worth much to speak of any way when its in the late stage of lactation. If by March you still see some on the cow, I'd get them off then so the cow can dry up to get ready to make colostrum for her new calf in 3 months. Plus I belive you want her to go back to the bull, do you not.

[cowman]

Sure it will work. Just don't let them get real down in condition. And don't forget that calves running out with momma usually aren't sick calves. As Alicia says most cows pretty well don't give much milk later on so really she's just there for company. Calves grown out this way won't have poor feet from too much feed.

[kato]

Keep an eye on the weather, though. A long stretch of 30 below will get just about any cow down if the groceries aren't just right. Those bigger calves will take every drop of milk the cows can produce.

The condition of the calves is your best indicator.

[rook]

It seems to me I remember hearing once that producing milk takes a lot of energy and that it's a better use of feed to wean and feed the calves and let the cows dry up.

Of course, everyone has to decide if there are other things to take into account when making a decision.

[Muttley]

I have over the years left calves on cows this long or longer. I myself prefer to wean late fall and build the cows back up before calving. I found that the extra feed required by the cows and condition the cows dropped in extreme cold weather was not worth the savings in the calf.
Even at the moment I have a couple of late calves on cows and they are requiring a lot more quality feed than the main cow herd.

[ALICIA]

Also the winter coat hides the fat cover of the cow, making it even harder to really see the shape your cow may be in.

[cowman]

Countryguy: You can lean them down quite a bit without hurting them. Really watch the young cows. Most old cows boot the calf off, but those young ones will just continue to pour it on to their own disadvantage. You might consider weaning the calves by how the cow looks? Cow looks skinny, pull the calf.
Seeing as how you don't calve until June your cows should be in pretty decent shape by then. I like your system. Cheap, not much work, natural, profitable(well in a post BSE world)!