Weaning

[jem]

I only have a single cow and her 2 steers, one from last year and one from the year before. The cow weaned the first steer herself and simply dried up nicely at about 9 months. This year's steer is now coming up to 9 months and is still suckling vigorously(!), unlike the first steer at this stage. I suspect I may have to wean him by separating mother & calf, but as a small-scale owner do not have the ideal facilities for doing so. I have a small yard with a gated shelter in it. Can I put mother or calf in the shed leaving the other 2 outside? If so who should I lock up and for how long? Is there any disadvantage to leaving them for another month or so and see if she weans him naturally? Any other weaning tips for the small-scale owner would be greatly appreciated!

[Broomcroft]

Is she in calf again? If so, I would wean them ASAP and the other side of a gate is fine. She'll worry for a day or maybe two but then realise he can cope without her. That's what we do.

If she's in calf and has a big calf suckling, that's a lot of pressure on her.



Edited By Broomcroft on 1240903666

[Duncan MacIntyre]

If the cow is maintaining condition I would not worry in the slightest, just leave them to it and the calf will stop suckling in time to allow colostrum to develop. However if she is losing condition Clive is right, the big calf needs to be taken off her. I used to think it was essential to have them taken off, but since hearing from somone on this site a few years ago that they weaned themselves I have tried it several times and had no bother at all.

Duncan

[Broomcroft]

I have a friend with a herd of 650 Angus who only weans if mom looks stressed or it suits him, and he has been doing that for 60 years.

[jem]

As always, your replies are very helpful and I'm most grateful. As the cow is in good condition, I'll leave her to wean the calf herself and save the stress for calf, cow and myself!