From calf to factory

nqtfarmer

Hi there, we have 30 autumn calving sucklers and are forced to sell calf come their second winter. We are planning a new build to accommodate calf in their second winter and potentially 3rd winter. Just a query, do you think it would be a good idea to run the calf to their third winter and finish out of the shed at 30 months?

Water John

Your selling a strong weanling/year old. At present prices should be hitting €900.
Is it worth it to you to take those to finish?
If it is, they are all out the gate by 24 months.

nqtfarmer

Water John wrote: »

Your selling a strong weanling/year old. At present prices should be hitting €900.
Is it worth it to you to take those to finish?
If it is, they are all out the gate by 24 months.

Would you need to feed much meal to 24 months or could you finish off grass at that age?

SuperTortoise

I'd be inclined to finish before 3rd winter, but a lot depends on housing space, silage quantity and quality if keeping for 3rd winter.

Water John

If you had land that could produce something like red clover/grass silage or crimp feed. That could push on the weanlings in the second winter, without bought meals. I think keeping the animal growing well every day, esp in the winter will get you to an earlier finish.
Bought ration is too dear, avoid if you can.

nqtfarmer

Water John wrote: »

If you had land that could produce something like red clover/grass silage or crimp feed. That could push on the weanlings in the second winter, without bought meals. I think keeping the animal growing well every day, esp in the winter will get you to an earlier finish.
Bought ration is too dear, avoid if you can.

That’s what I’d be hoping for, to avoid cost of ration at the end of term. It’s a hard game no matter what way you look at it