buying a calf privately (testing)

amacca

Just been offered a calf for sale privately and I'm not used to the process

I read up a bit on it and I think I understand how CMMS cert works either on Agfood or old hardcopy way

What I'm not sure about is the "cattle must be tested before they are sold" bit on the done deal guidelines

Does this apply to a calf that may only be a couple of weeks old? Can I buy a calf privately that hasn't been TB tested? If the herds TB test was months ago does the owner have to test calves separately before sale?

Never wrestle with pigs

41 days and under no test. 42 day and after you must do a tb test.

amacca

Hmmm...so I suppose its a bit of a how long is a piece of string question but in general is it a bad idea to buy privately under the 41 day mark? are you better off getting the older TB tested calf

or if the herd is TB clear is it the same as buying a young calf under 41 days at the mart...or maybe better given they've come from the one herd and not been mixing

trying to decide what to do if the price is right!

greysides

It is exceedingly rare for a calf under 42 days old to react to the TB test. To sell, privately or through a mart, the herd must also be clear.
Reasons to buy an older calf are more sensibly husbandry related.

amacca

greysides wrote: »

It is exceedingly rare for a calf under 42 days old to react to the TB test. To sell, privately or through a mart, the herd must also be clear.
Reasons to buy an older calf are more sensibly husbandry related.

Thank you....im ok at rearing calves believe it or not, just anxious not to do anything stupid on the paperwork/process side of things ... I've never bought animals privately before so I don't want to make any obvious silly errors...usually source in marts or the occasional dealer or lads that buy to order , used to breed our own as well

whelan2

amacca wrote: »

Thank you....im ok at rearing calves believe it or not, just anxious not to do anything stupid on the paperwork/process side of things ... I've never bought animals privately before so I don't want to make any obvious silly errors...usually source in marts or the occasional dealer or lads that buy to order , used to breed our own as well

The seller can do the movement cert on line , it wont be approved unless both herds /animals are eligible to move them.

greysides

amacca wrote: »

...usually source in marts or the occasional dealer or lads that buy to order , used to breed our own as well

If you have the choice, for health reasons, it's best to buy direct from a farm. It gives you the opportunity to check dietary details too. If buying through a dealer/lads-that-buy-to-order, make sure they do their part of the paperwork promptly.
It's often advised that when you bring them home to just give them a dose of electrolyte solution for the first feed and let them settle down before giving them milk/replacer.
Check the calf is clean (no discharges/scour), lively and hasn't a big navel before you buy.

50HX

and BVD Tested

whelan2

50HX wrote: »

and BVD Tested

The movement permit wont be allowed with out the bvd clear test