Is there any future in suckler cows ?

[johnspeehs]

I haven't squeezed a calf since the 90s it's not definate enough IMO.
We did cut them at about 4/5 months, to see how pure bulls were going to do.
Now we just ring them as soon as they've had their first suck.

Do you think it has a negative affect on conformation? I mean in the more shapely type calves.

 

[M-J-G]

Do you think it has a negative affect on conformation? I mean in the more shapely type calves.

I'm not chasing shape and I prefer maternal traits and weight over very muscular types. Im happy with U grade type steers.
If you mean ringing them young, I see no difference apart from not having to mess about with calves at 6 months old.

I ring as soon as possible after they suck and tag and debud (although I have very few with horns these days) the following morning.

That's all jobs done until weaning apart from the odd pour-on

 

[Bossfarmer]

getting beef cows to take a 2nd calf, can be interesting, we have done it, but not as easy as people think. We used to buy the cheap cows, from dairy dispersals, and put calves on them, the easiest way to set calves on cows, we made up some 10 ft hurdles, 1 cow, 3or 4 calves, in a 10ft square pen, when cow was 'dealing' with 1 calf, the others dived in, once settled, turn out with 2 calves. If doing it with dairy, the cows will melt, and not get i/c without some sort of extra feed, best way is to take 1 calf away, at 10/12 weeks. Occasionally, you will get a cow that really loves calves, keep her seperate, or all the foster calves will end up sucking a pile of bones ! But, keep her in, feed her properly, she could rear 12/15 calves, and get i/c, bit of a grind, putting her into the calves, everyday, but very profitable. We went back into milk, so stopped, but, interesting at the time. To answer the question, i do not think there is any future, in big cows, producing 1 calf, calf sales might be great, but profitable ? yes for the top 10%. It's kg of beef/ac the figure, you need, more kg, = more income.

would it be wise for all suckler herds(if time) to keep 5-10 good cows in pens until weaning with 3-4 foster calves on each cow and feed her well? the cow could be AI'd or let out the pen for a bit when bulling

 

[Bossfarmer]

does anyone run british blues as their cows? ive a few that were foster calves a few years back theyre out with the limmy bull this year will be interesting to see how they do

 

[som farmer]

would it be wise for all suckler herds(if time) to keep 5-10 good cows in pens until weaning with 3-4 foster calves on each cow and feed her well? the cow could be AI'd or let out the pen for a bit when bulling

the more calves weaned, per cow, the more potential profit, the best way, is turn the cow, in with the calves, for a no of hours, crucial is how you feed the cow, preferably like a dairy cow, after all, you expect her to produce milk, like a dairy cow. Few friends tried it, most gave up, to much hassle, which is the reason, that i don't think suckler farmers would get on well with rearing the flood of dairyx calves, once we are not able to shoot the crap. It's the same old story, the more you put in, the more you get out.

 

[cattleman123]

Suckler cows? well i keepthem and like

the more calves weaned, per cow, the more potential profit, the best way, is turn the cow, in with the calves, for a no of hours, crucial is how you feed the cow, preferably like a dairy cow, after all, you expect her to produce milk, like a dairy cow. Few friends tried it, most gave up, to much hassle, which is the reason, that i don't think suckler farmers would get on well with rearing the flood of dairyx calves, once we are not able to shoot the crap. It's the same old story, the more you put in, the more you get out.

I never bother to foster a calf on to a cow...been kicked etc in the pass...time you bought the calf...introduced bugs,whats the point, of course a lot are better stockman than myself or have cows that are quieter.

 

[M-J-G]

does anyone run british blues as their cows? ive a few that were foster calves a few years back theyre out with the limmy bull this year will be interesting to see how they do

Had some a few years ago (BB out of SimX) not much of a cow in comparison to the Sim and SimXBSH cows that they were running alongside.
Calves were ok, but the cows were lean, had poor feet and were too soft for winter out doors.

 

[M-J-G]

Suckler cows? well i keepthem and like

I never bother to foster a calf on to a cow...been kicked etc in the pass...time you bought the calf...introduced bugs,whats the point, of course a lot are better stockman than myself or have cows that are quieter.

The only time I put a calf on a cow is if hers dies and I can put a skin on a spare homebred calf.
Buying calves and dry fostering them isn't some thing I'd be bothering with.

 

[livestock 1]

Best cows for getting conformation here in their calves are BBXLimmy. They have a habit of hanging on over time though and have big calves.

 

[cattleman123]

The only time I put a calf on a cow is if hers dies and I can put a skin on a spare homebred calf.
Buying calves and dry fostering them isn't some thing I'd be bothering with.

Spot on

 

[cattleman123]

Having sold some finished cattle in the last 2 weeks...best one was 467 dead and averaging over 400 there is no more satisfaction than knowing that you have bred great stock and are at the top of the game,that to me is worth more than money can buy.....Dont lecture me about the weight or anything else...what i have said is a fact, Being proud of what we produce is a real Bonus...Satisfaction

 

[Anymulewilldo]

Always the way.

I'm glad it's not just me!

 

[Henarar]

does anyone run british blues as their cows? ive a few that were foster calves a few years back theyre out with the limmy bull this year will be interesting to see how they do

Yes, they are good mothers, milky and should cross well with a lim but if they are cross bred you have to consider the potential limitations of what they are crossed with

 

[Sharpy]

Do you think it has a negative affect on conformation? I mean in the more shapely type calves.

We tried burdizzos, not 100% success and always that element of worry.
Went to full castration, at varying ages depending on when they were born etc, bit of a faff organising and more importantly if any age about them they got a check.
Now ringing them. Quick, cheap and no discernable check.
We can see no difference in confirmation between any of the above, unless you are cutting at 7 or 8 months with the attendant problems of infections, a big growth check and the chance they have all shagged their sisters.

 

[Bossfarmer]

Yes, they are good mothers, milky and should cross well with a lim but if they are cross bred you have to consider the potential limitations of what they are crossed with

theyre out of a dairy so crossed with holsteins, how would they get on to a charolais bull?

 

[Henarar]

theyre out of a dairy so crossed with holsteins, how would they get on to a charolais bull?

you may well get some throw backs then but milk shouldn't be a problem
no idea about the charolais bull as I have never used one

 

[Suffolksucklers]

We have a lot of blues out of proper British Friesans. We think they are the ideal cow for us. Small, milk well and bring up a great calf when put to a blonde or lim. Some of them are perhaps a bit too milky at first. Keeping some of their calves which might be better still as they still have a good amount of milk but not a massive glut and of course have more beef in them. Like having a mix though as they all end up cross suckling later in the season. There is not one cow suitable for all farms though it's just what we have found works best for us.

 

[M-J-G]

theyre out of a dairy so crossed with holsteins, how would they get on to a charolais bull?

Charolais, Blue and Holstein, all are pretty lean breeds, I can't see them finishing easily.