Stupid Question?

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orwell

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Joined
Apr 6, 2009
Messages
303
How much can you tell about a calf in the frist few days. My dad is convinced that you can pretty much tell if you have potenial a day after birth, but I think they need more time then that.
 

jackpotcattle

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Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
265
Location
Miller, SD
I would some what agree with your dad. We have had many calves when they were born that you just said wow! and they have almost always sold well or were one of our best replacements. I think it gives you a good idea of what kind of calf they are (later maturing or what have you) just by the way they are built at birth.Maybe I'm crazy but i put as much judgement on the calves apperance when they are born versus when they are weaned.
 

Bulldaddy

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Joined
Oct 5, 2009
Messages
1,131
Location
Valley Mills, Texas
Quality can show up early but it can change as they grow.  If they look good at a week they usually end up making a pretty good calf if the don't get sick and the cow milks good.
 

worthabit

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Joined
Mar 5, 2008
Messages
601
Location
prince edward island Canada
Bulldaddy said:
Quality can show up early but it can change as they grow.  If they look good at a week they usually end up making a pretty good calf if the don't get sick and the cow milks good.
I agree. If they look good at 1-2 weeks, they will look good in the end.
 

Steer4Caddy

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Joined
Jun 28, 2009
Messages
267
Location
Texas
You can tell on most right away.  Then they go away and what they looked like at a few days old always comes back around when the mature.  BUT! The only exception is on low birth wieght cattle.  They look common when young and you think you have nothing but they keep getting better and better.  These are the ones that are hard to sell at 6 months.
 

Bone2011

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Joined
Mar 19, 2009
Messages
319
Location
South Dakota
Fred Derouchy always told me when they look good at a week they will return to looking good at some point given the right care.
 
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