How soon is too soon to wean

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nkotb

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Joined
Oct 23, 2008
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321
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Quinter, KS
Have a calf at about 75 days.  Wanting to wean the rest of the calves and would like to do her about the same time, just wondering how soon is too soon.  We are a little short on grass, but one calf is not going to make the difference.  Has been started on creep, out of second calf heifer.
 

ZNT

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Apr 25, 2007
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1,006
Location
Rhome, TX
nkotb said:
Have a calf at about 75 days.  Wanting to wean the rest of the calves and would like to do her about the same time, just wondering how soon is too soon.  We are a little short on grass, but one calf is not going to make the difference.  Has been started on creep, out of second calf heifer.

I prefer not to wean less than 90 days of age.  May not seem like a lot in number of days, but it is a big percentage in the total days of their life.
 

OLD WORLD SHORTIE

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Jan 15, 2008
Messages
813
Location
TX
I dunno about that seems awful young, have weaned at 3.5 months and i saw considerable issues don't think she reached her full potential.  Dont think i will do that again.
 

[email protected]

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Dec 20, 2007
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285
Location
SW Oklahoma
on cattle all 4 stomachs are fully functional between 3 and 4 months.  By fully functional I mean they can digest forage and grain..
 

Till-Hill

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Sep 14, 2010
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690
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Waterville, Iowa
You will be fine. Good calf starter and a little grass hay. Dairy calves get weaned as soon as they eat a pound of calf starter a day. Our's get weaned @ 56 days.
 

Jill

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Jan 20, 2007
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Location
Gardner, KS
Agree with Till-Hill, as long as you have them up where you can watch them you will be fine, may need a little tlc but as long as your calf is eating you are ok to wean.
 
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