Depending how much management and time wants to be invested it can be pushed farther. I’ve had cows raise 3 and 4 calves at once however it’s a big pull on their condition and can result in slower breed back.
If someone really wanted to get as much as they could they’d milk the cows and bottle feed the calves. In that way you can easily add another couple calves on each cow, and help protect udder and cows condition. Downside is you have to milk the cow lol. However in this scenario, and if you know date bred, you can easily raise 2-3 batches of calves on each cow, per lactation, if she’s calving yearly. 10 month lactation, weaning calves at 3-5 months, 3-6 calves each cow depending on production, you could raise a dozen calves on the right cow. Again, only issue here is being tied to milking and feeding.
As my nurse cow numbers are getting up Im starting to run into the issue of calves sharing cows. Even one of the cows own calves was hopping moms this year which is a first. I may need to look into a creep feeder to help consistently offer them more. They usually only get creep when they’re here, not out in pasture.
Also the focus on cow nutrition is different than just a beef cow and her calf. The Flecks hold condition really well on grass considering what they’re doing but next year I think I’m going to invest in always having a protein tub out for them, or maybe molasses. Protein will make them produce more but I want them to keep condition so the molasses may be a better option.
Either way, whatever method someone chooses to go with, I think this is a great option for increased production on an acreage. I always said why have 6 cows for 6 calves when I can have 2 cows for 6 calves.
If someone really wanted to get as much as they could they’d milk the cows and bottle feed the calves. In that way you can easily add another couple calves on each cow, and help protect udder and cows condition. Downside is you have to milk the cow lol. However in this scenario, and if you know date bred, you can easily raise 2-3 batches of calves on each cow, per lactation, if she’s calving yearly. 10 month lactation, weaning calves at 3-5 months, 3-6 calves each cow depending on production, you could raise a dozen calves on the right cow. Again, only issue here is being tied to milking and feeding.
As my nurse cow numbers are getting up Im starting to run into the issue of calves sharing cows. Even one of the cows own calves was hopping moms this year which is a first. I may need to look into a creep feeder to help consistently offer them more. They usually only get creep when they’re here, not out in pasture.
Also the focus on cow nutrition is different than just a beef cow and her calf. The Flecks hold condition really well on grass considering what they’re doing but next year I think I’m going to invest in always having a protein tub out for them, or maybe molasses. Protein will make them produce more but I want them to keep condition so the molasses may be a better option.
Either way, whatever method someone chooses to go with, I think this is a great option for increased production on an acreage. I always said why have 6 cows for 6 calves when I can have 2 cows for 6 calves.
Comment