LCP
Well-known member
We weaned the calves off our mature cows (4-10 yr olds) today. These were mid-April through late May calves, Angus cows bred to maternal-type Angus bulls (Emulation, Shoshone, Wye breeding mostly). We had a dry start to the summer, had real good rain from late July through Labor Day. Moved the pairs to cover crops (oats, radishes, turnips) from October 11 - Dec 15. I thought the calves looked good - actually a little too fleshy really. Cows are in BCS 6 average. I didn't pour or deworm anything, no implants, no creep feed. I was hoping the calves would average 600-625 lb. I was shocked when the scale said 700 lb average! 675 on heifers 725 on steers. That's well over 100 lbs heavier than I've ever weaned calves. It really showed me the power of late summer & fall nutrition. Needless to say, I'm going to be looking really hard at putting in long-season cover crops to graze in the fall with pairs.
Plus it was 48 degrees, sunny, and no wind on Dec 18. Had a good crew to work with giving shots. And the cattle are in dad's yard so I don't have to listen to the bellaring all night! It was a good day! Tomorrow is preg check, hope it goes as well.
Plus it was 48 degrees, sunny, and no wind on Dec 18. Had a good crew to work with giving shots. And the cattle are in dad's yard so I don't have to listen to the bellaring all night! It was a good day! Tomorrow is preg check, hope it goes as well.