what would you do

[wynedot55]

i have this real nice beefmaster cow.but she seems to not have enough milk to raise a good calf.she has had 2 calves for me an neither grew off good.she is nursing the 2nd calf now.this cow is in great shape.she will weigh 1300lbs or better.her calf is about 4 months old.im leaning toward culling her now.sending her an her calf on the next load going to the sale.an putting her in the kill pen.any thoughts.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

That's rough when you have a beef cow that's built good but, doesn't have enough to feed her calf. If you've tried to get her production up and don't want to assist feeding her calf, I guess I would sell her too.

Does she have any daughters in the herd with calves? I'm wondering if it's passing on genetic wise.

 

[wynedot55]

no calves in the herd yet.she was the 1st reg beefmaster cow i bought.an she had 2 bull calves for me.she doesnt need extra feed.because she is on good hay.im pretty madd about it.but she just doesnt seen to have the milk beefmasters are known for.mom says keep her.but i cant see keeping a low milking cow for the comm herd either.it just doest make since.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

With two lactations under her belt it's not like you didn't give her a chance. Have you had to supplement feed the calves or how are they doing, if she doesn't have enough milk? Not gaining like they should?

 

[wynedot55]

they have access to hay an grass like the cows.they just grow slow an gain waeight slowly.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

So they are growing just not thriving. That means it's taking those calves longer to get to weight and therefore costing more to raise. It sounds to me like it's time to let her go.

Having said that we all have our favorites that we hang on to when we shouldn't so you wouldn't be the first if you decide to keep her.

 

[wynedot55]

well i know this.i would not raise a bull out of her.an i would not reg any of her heifer calves.so i have some thinking todo.

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I know you know this but, you asked for our opinions and I'm just stating mine and trying to help you work through things.

 

[Thewife]

I'd ship her!
(or I should say, Hubby would use his common sense that I hate so much, and make me ship her)

 

[wynedot55]

thanks kitty an thewife.i know what needs tobe an has tobe done.but i always like hearing peoples differant take on things.an then i do what i think has tobe done.