Feeding weaned calves

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everybreedcounts

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Jul 3, 2012
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89
I am going to be weaning my calves (both heifers and bulls) this weekend and I am trying to figure out the best feed (grain) for them during the weaning process. They are Miniature Herefords, and are between 6-8 months old. In the past I have gone with a sweet feed mix, but it can get expensive. I will be showing them, so I want to get them off to the right start. Also, what is the best thing to feed show bulls, 12 months and older?  I have shown market steers for 6 years so I have gotten their feeding down to a science, but I know that feeding a steer is completely different then feeding breeding animals.
 

Till-Hill

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Sep 14, 2010
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690
Location
Waterville, Iowa
I don't know anything about minis but I weaned fall calves last Saturday that haven't seen anything but momma and hay. After two days on Purina precon they are waiting to be fed. I won't wean calves without it again. I've used it now on 3 sets of calves. I use about 2 bags a calf then switch over to my mix. They will get to 2% of body weight in a few days. Good luck
 

frostback

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Feb 7, 2007
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2,068
Location
Colorado
Just to add a bit about the Precon. I too have used it for years. I see it as a must for getting weaned calves off to a good start. To get the amount of drugs to help with the Coccidiosis the calves must eat 10lbs.  You can feed straight Precon or you can mix it with a "sweet feed". If you are going to mix it or in the case of the Minis look into Precon 5. I used it this year and loved it. I didn't know they made the 5 until I talked to a Purina rep and she said it was made to mix with a sweet feed. Also I am not sure if the feed is medicated at this moment. She also told me that they only put the meds in it for certain times of the year.
 

everybreedcounts

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Jul 3, 2012
Messages
89
I ended up getting some Precon and fed it straight for the first 3 days, now I'm mixing it with sweet feed. They really love it! It is also cheaper than I thought it would be, only like $14 a bag. Which is great because I'm in CA and feed prices are through the roof here, hay is up to 16-25 bucks a bale. Ridiculous. Thanks for the suggestion! I am definitely going to start using it every year from now on!!
 

vc

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Jul 24, 2007
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1,811
Location
So-Cal
Do not know where in California you are but here is a link to a hay grower who has some hay prices that aren't to bad, at least for bermuda and sudan hay, the alfalfa has gone up in the past few weeks, shipping may take it to high for you though.
http://www.horsehayforsale.com/id3.html
 
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