randiliana
Well-known member
We had a big wreck here the other day. We have been grazing an Alfalfa/grass pasture for about the last month. It had been fairly dry, up until last week when we got almost 2 inches of rain. Of course, we weren't too worried about it since there had been no problems, and we never even gave it a thought. But with the rain, the Alfalfa "jumped" quite a bit, and left the slower growing grass behind. Basically overnight we lost 5 cows to bloat on the Alfalfa. It is quite humbling to have them literally drop at your feet and there is nothing you can do to save them!!
So, now we have 7 orphaned calves in the corral (2 from before). 2 of the calves are Jan., 4 are Mar, and 1 is late Apr. I plan to bottle feed the youngest, and 2 of the March calves are on the nurse cow (holstien) along with her own calf.
I am not worried at all about the 2 Jan calves, but what should I do for the others? There are 3 calves on the Holstein, 1 on a bottle and 2 on nothing. Right now we are giving them good quality grass hay, and free choice oats. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Randi
So, now we have 7 orphaned calves in the corral (2 from before). 2 of the calves are Jan., 4 are Mar, and 1 is late Apr. I plan to bottle feed the youngest, and 2 of the March calves are on the nurse cow (holstien) along with her own calf.
I am not worried at all about the 2 Jan calves, but what should I do for the others? There are 3 calves on the Holstein, 1 on a bottle and 2 on nothing. Right now we are giving them good quality grass hay, and free choice oats. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Randi