Leaving a bullock on its own

[Gatehouse Farm]

I have two fat heifers left in the barn, really need to have one killed but don't have anything suitable to run with the other one. Does anyone keep one on it's own or do they go a bit crazy?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

I don't like keep anything on it's own really, they don't like being alone

 

[Gatehouse Farm]

I don't like keep anything on it's own really, they don't like being alone

Know what you mean, racking my brains on how to do this. Don't want to turn her out as she will probably go back and will be a pain in the ass to catch again.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Know what you mean, racking my brains on how to do this. Don't want to turn her out as she will probably go back and will be a pain in the ass to catch again.

It won't go 'crazy' but as I say they don't like being alone especially when they've mated up with another one or two in the shed

 

[choochter]

kill them both an be done with it

 

[Gatehouse Farm]

kill them both an be done with it

That's a lot of beef to shift in one hit

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Know what you mean, racking my brains on how to do this. Don't want to turn her out as she will probably go back and will be a pain in the ass to catch again.

How long before you send the last one? Can't you put a younger stirk in with it or an auld cow?

 

[milkloss]

Depends if it's a calm, goofy old bullock you're feeding nuts twice a day or a bit feral. If it's the latter I'd get shot of them together and hire some freezer space.

 

[Gatehouse Farm]

How long before you send the last one? Can't you put a younger stirk in with it or an auld cow?

Probably 4-6 weeks. No got nothing suitable, probably should of bought a old cull cow in mart today!

 

[Gatehouse Farm]

Depends if it's a calm, goofy old bullock you're feeding nuts twice a day or a bit feral. If it's the latter I'd get shot of them together and hire some freezer space.

No,it's a Sussex so only gets silage. Problem is we sell 95% of our meat fresh. People don't seem to want it frozen (except mince and sausages). Quite happen to buy fresh and then freeze but for some reason shy away from frozen.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

No,it's a Sussex so only gets silage. Problem is we sell 95% of our meat fresh. People don't seem to want it frozen (except mince and sausages). Quite happen to buy fresh and then freeze but for some reason shy away from frozen.

People like fresh meat so they can see it and the quality and freshness

 

[choochter]

you want people to say yes it's ok to keep one on its own but it isn't as they are herd animals and need company, at this late stage in finishing she might lose weight from stress and loneliness anyway so you're as well putting the two away together

 

[crofteress]

always less stressful for two to go to the abattoir together, especially mates. I find it really easy to sell frozen highland beef, right down to the last pack of mince
wouldnt leave a beast on its own

 

[Gatehouse Farm]

you want people to say yes it's ok to keep one on its own but it isn't as they are herd animals and need company, at this late stage in finishing she might lose weight from stress and loneliness anyway so you're as well putting the two away together

Whoa there! Where did I say I wanted People to say yes. I asked people's opinions!

 

[choochter]

Whoa there! Where did I say I wanted People to say yes. I asked people's opinions!

Yes, I know. The only way I would do it is if the one that was left was in a next door pen to some other cattle.

 

[multi power]

I have a simple solution, I will eat one of them if needed

 

[Gatehouse Farm]

Yes, I know. The only way I would do it is if the one that was left was in a next door pen to some other cattle.

Yes that's fine, do that all the time during the winter but just sold last two store bulls today and have nothing else left in barns only some pigs and we all know how much cattle hate pigs. Think I'll have to buy a couple of stores for finishing then send one of them in hopefully next week.

 

[Gatehouse Farm]

I have a simple solution, I will eat one of them if needed

Thanks, you're all heart!

 

[Henarar]

I don't think you are meant to keep them on their own for cross compliance
I wouldn't anyway

 

[gone up the hill]

Totally unacceptable to keep one animal on its own on welfare grounds.