autumn calving

badshot

this is my first year to try autumn calving
just wondering what is the best concentrate
to feed a cow that is rearing a calf

Bizzum

We find it hard to beat grass. We would build up a nice bit of grass for the few Autumn calvers, calve them in bare paddocks, and run them to a fresh bit of grass a few days post calving. We have a few on aftergrass at the moment.

whelan1

agree with bizzum , just make sure you have them covered for tetany , last night was exceptionally cold around here

reilig

I have to agree with Bizzum too. When the grass runs out, then good silage is the next best thing. Feeding concentrates to cows is a big no no on our farm (either before or after calving). If you have to feed concentrates to a cow to get her to have milk then would it not be more cost effective to have her calving in spring and going straight out to grass?? IMO Autumn calving becomes expensive if you have to feed concentrate and profit is small enough without adding a further expense.

funny man

badshot wrote: »

this is my first year to try autumn calving
just wondering what is the best concentrate
to feed a cow that is rearing a calf

I suppose by right if you have tested your silage it will give you an indication of how much meal is needed if any at all, try to feed your best silage that is usually early first cut, i'd suggest as last resort if average silage 16% dairy nut/blend 1-2kgs.

Grecco

Some of my cows calved in late July/early August. Are they Autumn Calvers or late Spring

kay 9

More like late summer early autumn:D They be fine weanlings next oct though:P