Feeding calves

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squirt71

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Jun 3, 2009
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I know it's a little early to bring this up, but what do you feed your calves that are still on mom for show?  The way some of our calves are looking now, we will be taking them to some state fairs (just calves, not cow-calf pairs). So what do you give them to help make them "bloom" and supplement mom's milk until they get weaned?
 

CAB

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Mar 5, 2007
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Corning,Iowa
I would just start with a baby calf starter. As the summer comes you'll more than likely kind of day wean the calves, but for now just get them started eating a good tasting feed and get them to trust & like you. Increase feed as they will consume it. There should be a bunch of different feeds to choose from, but just get one that is handy for you in your local.
 

squirt71

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Jun 3, 2009
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In the past for our 4-H feeder calves, we gave them some of our show feed we had for our breeding heifers during the day. I didn't know if there was a great feed out there that puts a little more condition on them. Thanks CAB.
 

CAB

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I really think that your show feed should work well, but be careful that it's not too "rich" for them and gives them an upset stomach. It's all about dry matter intake to be competitive in the showring. Good luck!! Do you think that you'll show @ the ISF? I know that your calves have some look to them.
 

squirt71

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Jun 3, 2009
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111
As of right now the way the ET calves look, we're planning on taking them to Iowa and Nebraska (open shows, my sis and I are too old for 4-H).  We might hit up a few more if there is time.
 
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