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Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 10:50 am
by Ros
This morning I found one of my 11month heifers suckling off her mother who is not due to calve until the 16th of May.The heifers were weaned in January and put out with the cows last month.The cow has been developing a big udder but I didn't realise she had milk yet.As our other field is shut off for silage I will have to bring in the heifer.Any suggestions on how I can stop her suckling and will she do this after the cow calves?Ros
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 12:11 pm
by Duncan MacIntyre
You really need to stop her now. The cow needs to develop proper colostrum for the next calf. The year old heifer will steal all this if left to it. Often calves left on the dam will automatically wean themselves, but this one going back to suckle so close to the next calving is probably not going to do it.
You can physically separate them if you have somewhere else to put the heifer, or if they have to be together put a "milk sucking preventer" in the heifers nose. These are jaggy things which obviously annoy the cow and she will not allow the heifer to suckle, and if she should try to move to an auntie it will stop that too. If you use a modern plastic one they are annoying to the cow but will not cause any damage. Most vets or animal health shops should have one.
Duncan
Posted: Thu Apr 29, 2010 12:23 pm
by Ros
Hi Duncan,thank you very much for your quick reply.Will take the necessary action immediately.You're a jewel .We did meet briefly at the Dexter meeting last week. Thanks again Ros.
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 10:45 am
by Ros
I brought the heifers in yesterday and bought the device.I will keep them in for a few days and do some halter training!!The cow was bellowing yesterday and her udder is huge today.Is this alright since she is not due for 2 weeks?Ros
Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 7:16 pm
by Ros
Got our local hero Stephen to come and tube the suckled cow after taking his and the vet's advice.Hopefully things are now under control.Thanks again Duncan. Ros