When should we wean a prospect?

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88AG

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Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
100
Location
Fayette Co. TX.
We have a 2 month old bull calf we are trying to get ready for a show February 10th. When should we wean him he is already eating some feed. The cow has good milk and is in good condition.
 

ZNT

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Apr 25, 2007
Messages
1,006
Location
Rhome, TX
We shoot for 120 days to wean, and have weaned as early as 90 days with no adverse effects.  We put the same feed out as creep feed as the calves will be weaned on, leading to a very easy transition.
 

obie105

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Oct 17, 2011
Messages
780
If you haven't started creep make sure you start that before weaning cold turkey. We also do daytime weaning that works pretty well where the calf is in the barn and on feed during the day and out with the cow at night. We usually do this for a month before we completely wean.
 

RyanChandler

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Jul 6, 2011
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3,457
Location
Pottsboro, TX
What would be the problem w/ separating the calf so that you could start feeding him and working w/ him and, then in the evenings, letting the cow in w/ the calf to nurse?
 

88AG

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
100
Location
Fayette Co. TX.
Thanks for the replies, what do you think of the calf?  We will probably try separating them during the day and then at 3 months fully wean him.
 

88AG

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 18, 2010
Messages
100
Location
Fayette Co. TX.
The calf is a purebred simmental out of built right. His 3/4 sibling was Grand Champion bull in San Antonio earlier this year.
 
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