Tagging new born suckler calves.

[jendan]

When do folks on here tag their new born suckler calves? When is the best and safest time to do it?What is the best method?,straight away,or seperate calves off later?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Before they can out run you or kick you in the balls

 

[twizzel]

ASAP if born out in the field over summer, within a couple of days if born inside.

 

[Derrick Hughes]

tag dehorn and rubber ring within one week

 

[jendan]

Before they can out run you or kick you in the balls

Then for my calves,thats basically before 24 hours old,defineatly before 48 hours old.How do you cope with the mother behind your back?

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Then for my calves,thats basically before 24 hours old,defineatly before 48 hours old.How do you cope with the mother behind your back?

I put them in a calf crate if they calve inside or get my dad to stand there with a stick if outside...have carried them into a cattle trailer sometimes if out in the field to be safe

 

[twizzel]

Then for my calves,thats basically before 24 hours old,defineatly before 48 hours old.How do you cope with the mother behind your back?

Ours are the same. In field 2 of us go out to do it. If left more than 24 hrs we have no chance of catching in the field.

 

[lim x]

Sneak in when the cows at the rack and hope the calf don't make that 'blorting' noise'.

 

[Samcowman]

When do folks on here tag their new born suckler calves? When is the best and safest time to do it?What is the best method?,straight away,or seperate calves off later?

Straight away get it done double tag, spray navel and rubber ring them. Usually have 2 of us doing it. If just me then I generally put a gate between me and cow. Leave them till 2 days old and a lot more stessful on us and them.

 

[GTB]

We calve outside so bring them in once a week. Separate the cows and calves from the ones which haven't calved. Turn the incalf ones back to the same field. Stick the calves down the race and tag, castrate (rubber rings) and dehorn if necessary. Turn the calves back to the cows one at a time as we do them and note the cow's tag number. Then turn them out into fresh grazing.

 

[valtraman]

Similar here if inside even if I know cow us okay I will still put her behind a gate out out the shed just to be safe but most of ours will calf outside so two of us normally go on the bike as soon as we know the calf has suckled , catch the calf , one holds it while other rings it then two tags. Sometimes there just no chance of doing it with the mother so will leave it a few days and get them into pens to do safely. I always fancied building a catching trailer thing like the port equip one. I even bought the wheels and stubs to do it but never got round to it yet

 

[GTB]

Up until we had Lims we used to put one tag in the calf at birth and note the cow's number. It became too risky with the Lims . They would come across the field to get you.

 

[valtraman]

Up until we had Lims we used to put one tag in the calf at birth and note the cow's number. It became too risky with the Lims . They would come across the field to get you.

Angus cows not much better sometimes, some seriously protective mothers amongst them

 

[Dead Rabbits]

Near weaning time. Sort off all calves vaccinate and tag. Kick them back in with their mothers and write down numbers. Life is to short for that cow fighting.

 

[Northeastfarmer]

Near weaning time. Sort off all calves and tag. .

You can tell you’re not from the uk...

 

[wellingtonfarmer]

I calve indoors and use management tags and try and puts management tag in that corresponds to mothers number asap so I don't get anything mixed up.

 

[le bon paysan]

You can tell you’re not from the uk...

or France

 

[milkloss]

Bvd test tags as close as to when they hit the ground. Failing that cruise up in the landy when mum isn't looking and pounce. Always prepare to roll underneath.

 

[Grim Reaper]

 

[Grim Reaper]

These cow catchers are brilliant, one of the best purchases ever.