We let our cows raise their own heifer calves. We believe this makes healthy calves that are well-suited to a forage-only system. They grow up in the social dynamic of the herd, with other calves and a community of cows. They learn how to graze. They grow a bond with their mothers that lasts a lifetime.
In this system we have virtually zero calf health issues.
When they are six months old, it is time for them to transition off of nursing and drinking milk. We have tried several different ways to wean calves, but what works best for us, and seems to be the least stressful for the cows and calves, is to put a “weaner” in their nose (pictured above on Nadra) for several days before they are removed from the cow herd. The weaner allows them to graze, eat hay, and drink, but prevents them from being able to nurse.
We have tried leaving them with the cows for a longer period, so they don’t have to leave their mommas, but after a few days they figure out how to nurse with the weaners on.
They still get upset when separated, but less so than straight from nursing to being separated. The cows also seem to transition a little faster. It also helps if their new location is out of earshot, so they aren’t calling back and forth to each other.
Nadra (above) and Gamila (below) are the first two calves to get weaned this fall.
In this system we have virtually zero calf health issues.
When they are six months old, it is time for them to transition off of nursing and drinking milk. We have tried several different ways to wean calves, but what works best for us, and seems to be the least stressful for the cows and calves, is to put a “weaner” in their nose (pictured above on Nadra) for several days before they are removed from the cow herd. The weaner allows them to graze, eat hay, and drink, but prevents them from being able to nurse.
We have tried leaving them with the cows for a longer period, so they don’t have to leave their mommas, but after a few days they figure out how to nurse with the weaners on.
They still get upset when separated, but less so than straight from nursing to being separated. The cows also seem to transition a little faster. It also helps if their new location is out of earshot, so they aren’t calling back and forth to each other.
Nadra (above) and Gamila (below) are the first two calves to get weaned this fall.