Weanling calf feeding

[will6910]

Iv small batch of bucket reared calves all of milking. Oldest is 20 weeks and youngest is 15 weeks. They are Belgian blue heifers. They are on few kgs nuts a day each and straw. Soon to be moved to cubicles and continue on straw to eat just not for bedding. What level meal should I be looking to give them from now on? Theyl eventually be moved onto silage and nuts but have to wait to my ewes are inside to eat silage to as heifers won’t eat a bale fast enough yet before it goes off
Thank you

 

[aangus]

1kg/100kg liveweight as a guide

 

[will6910]

Thank you

 

[dinderleat]

3kg minimum on just straw they need it

 

[will6910]

Iv been getting mixed answered at home. From half kg is plenty to some saying ad lib. Considering i rear so little off them and sell at just over a year I want them to be the best shape they can be from early age but not be wasting nuts

3kg minimum on just straw they need it

 

[dinderleat]

They are blues so you won’t waste grub but 3kg minimum. Ad-lib they would go like stink but you might want to weigh them to see if your getting the growth weights you need.

 

[will6910]

They are blues so you won’t waste grub but 3kg minimum. Ad-lib they would go like stink but you might want to weigh them to see if your getting the growth weights you need.

Iv no way off weighing as such small numbers unfortunately. Last batch of 15 I reared last autumn and winter, I sold at 14 months at mart this September past and they done well for me. Had mix off breeds then but the few blues did the best for price per kg. Plus they were a good bit quieter to handle. So thought I’d try all blues this time. They are coughing like mad which I don’t think will do them any favours

 

[Aspiring Peasants]

Make sure it’s a high protein nut if they’re just on straw

 

[will6910]

Make sure it’s a high protein nut if they’re just on straw

Not sure on protein off the stuff I get but it’s best there is in local feed mill. Always start on the best until they get onto silage and nearer spring then change to a developer nut

 

[Zippy768]

3/4 kg per day

 

[will6910]

3/4 kg per day

Thank you

 

[shields kaiser]

Not sure on protein off the stuff I get but it’s best there is in local feed mill. Always start on the best until they get onto silage and nearer spring then change to a developer nut

You'll need to make sure of the protein level when fed straw and at that age. Speak to a nutritionist from the Mill and tell them its straw only as the forage.

 

[will6910]

You'll need to make sure of the protein level when fed straw and at that age. Speak to a nutritionist from the Mill and tell them its straw only as the forage.

Have mentioned it but never seemed to get a answer as off yet

 

[shields kaiser]

Have mentioned it but never seemed to get a answer as off yet

Not really good enough on their part.
I'd look at 20% Protein minimum. Probably get better growth on a 21 or 22% Protein though if fed at 3Kg/head/day, albeit it will cost more per tonne, but worth it

 

[will6910]

Not really good enough on their part.
I'd look at 20% Protein minimum. Probably get better growth on a 21 or 22% Protein though if fed at 3Kg/head/day, albeit it will cost more per tonne, but worth it

Iv to get another bag later in week so shall investigate when I’m there. This stuff is £371 a ton currently. This time last year it was £470

 

[Aspiring Peasants]

Iv to get another bag later in week so shall investigate when I’m there. This stuff is £371 a ton currently. This time last year it was £470

The bag should have a label telling you what’s in it and the protein level, etc

 

[Hummin-Cummins]

Ad-lib as much as they can eat

 

[will6910]

The bag should have a label telling you what’s in it and the protein level, etc

Never get ingredients sheet with bag. Just weight and price off it. But I’m sure they’d give if asked for it

 

[will6910]

Got new bag nuts today. 16% protein. The one below it is 15%

 

[Aspiring Peasants]

Got new bag nuts today. 16% protein. The one below it is 15%

If it was me I’d want 18% if they’re on straw