Weaned calves--what's the best grain?

WildRoseBeef

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What were these calves being fed before you got them, do you know? And what kind of grain are you feeding now (i.e., cracked corn, oats, barley. etc.)?

There are mixed feeds available for dairy cattle like dairy starter or dairy grower or starter supplement that have a CP content of at least 20%. I wouldn't worry so much about fat content as I would energy (as TDN or total digestible nutrients), and protein, but just know that fat content in cattle diets cannot get over 4 to 5% fat otherwise it will impair rumen function, so use it sparingly.

Protein and energy is really important for growing calves. "Medium" protein is pretty ambiguous, and for 2 month old steers, if it refers to only ~10% protein that's not enough. The amount of protein that weaned beef steers need is 10% less than what dairy steers need post-weaning. Which means that if early-weaned beef calves need 18% protein, Holstein steers would need 28% protein. Protein content requirements decline as they get older, so keep in mind to not keep feeding the same CP% feeds when they get to be yearlings. By that time you'll need to decrease CP% to around 20 to 22%.

If you choose to continue to keep feeding the same grain you're feeding them now, maybe consider upping the anti with some protein supplement like soybean meal or cottonseed meal.

Let them have access to a trace mineral block or loose mineral with salt. Keep ad libitum access throughout your time in keeping them.

You could try to see if you can get close enough to them to get them cleaner, but your best bet is to give them time to settle down and gain your trust before starting to get them tamed enough so you can brush or wash them. Give them a couple of weeks, because remember you just got them today!!

See if you can get something fixed up, like some paige wire or what-not so they have access to some of the outdoors before they're ready or big enough for the pasture.
 

Qchickiemama

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Wow. Crazy helpful. I'm going to copy & paste this to my 15yo who's helping me with the calves.

The seller said he was giving them 14%CP but then he said a bunch more details that didn't pan out, so I'm doubting a lot of what he said. I'm going to go buy them a better grain today, if I can find one. So far, my suppliers seem to stock only the 10% business. I'll ask for soybean meal if they're out of the higher protein grain.

We do have a mineral block in their pen. What's "ad libitum"?

Fixing the fence area is a priority. Just need to put up a few 2x6s. We weren't thinking of how short they'd be. :)
 

Qchickiemama

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Thanks, @goatgurl! Planning to work on the fence today. Their stall does have two large window openings for air, but yes, they need to walk around outside.
 

WildRoseBeef

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"Ad libitum" is a Latin term a lot of nutritionists use for "free choice." Or, allowing access all the time, 24/7.

Soybean meal I believe is usually in ground form, so if you mix it with the grain it should be good. Just remember to introduce them to it slowly, like for instance if you're only giving 2 pounds of grain a day, start adding it via only less than 1/4 cup, then gradually build it up over the next two weeks until you're feeding like over 1 cup in their feed a day. And if they're not gaining on that, then up it a little more. Don't skimp out on their energy either, especially this time of year. I'm not sure where you are but up here with those kind of calves they definitely need the extra energy for the cold.

I'm always crazy helpful lol. If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to ask. :)
 

Ferguson K

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Off of the top of my head I can't remember if Nutrebeef is recommended for dairy calves. Look into it, great feed. The textured does amazing work on cattle of all sizes. It's relatively inexpensive as well.

Let them settle before you try to handle them. So you don't become the calf eating monster to them. Be the food bringer first and foremost.

Cattle panels are also relatively cheap for throwing them together a day pen until you get their fence fixed.

Good luck! Pictures are always welcome. ;)
 

Qchickiemama

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We fixed the fence with some spare 2x4s and they played & munched in the pasture for a day or two. Today, they learned to escape. Turns out the electric fence wasn't working. Sheesh. Got that fixed today. Should be in good shape for tomorrow.
 

Qchickiemama

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I don't know how to turn the photos upright. You can see the progression of tameness happening here. The 8yo is in love. She does know they're going to be beef, but she doesn't care right now.
 

animalmom

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Ahhhh now that is just sweet! I love it when our cows get comfortable enough to come up to the fence line when they are called for cow candy (range cubes). A few cubes in a bucket make a rattling sound the cows find quite compelling. Just wait till you get a big old cow tongue swiping the cow candy out of your hand. Love my cows and steers.
 

WildRoseBeef

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Those calves look pretty clean! Did you finally get down to giving them a good brushing, because if you didn't they don't look like they need it.

Just think, they'll be pets now, but when they get bigger they aren't going to be as cute and cuddly as they are now. ;) So, mind their behaviours. There's a number of posts on here about how to handle a randy calf or cow on here that may be worth looking into.
 

Qchickiemama

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We brushed them a little but the yuck was caked on. We're ignoring it now. Haha!

Mind their behavior? Wow. I have a lot to learn. I had no idea they were trainable. I'll read more here. Thanks!
 

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