How much space does a calf need in a barn?
Approximately 30 to 50 square feet of bedded area are required for each animal in a bedded pack barn. The size may vary according to the age of the animal. Approximately 7 to 9 feet should be allowed for the scrape alley.
Can you make a profit on bottle calves?
Bottle calves can give you a great profit margin, especially if you consider raising them with alternative/less expensive methods. You can easily raise some pasture if you have land, and provided you have a tractor, you can rent a no disk planter and plant winter rye or wheat to feed your calves on over the winter.
How cold is too cold for a calf?
During their first month, calves are most comfortable at temperatures between 55 and 70°F. Cold stress in these calves can occur when temperatures remain below 50°F.
How many square feet does a bottle calf need?
Calves (all breeds) housed in groups from 2 to 4 months of age should have 30 square feet per animal and 40 square feet from 4 to 8 months of age.
How many times do you have to bottle feed a calf?
Feeding schedule Most calves need only need 2–3 bottles a day. You won’t have to worry about middle-of-the-night feedings or early-morning waking; bottle calves eat during the day and sleep at night.
How long does it take to raise a bottle calf?
How Long Does the Calf Need a Bottle? A beef calf is usually eating 1-1.5% of its body weight on a dry matter basis by the time it is 10-12 weeks old. A calf eating this much solid feed is likely ready to be weaned off the bottle.
How long do bottle calves need milk?
Usually, a calf should stay on milk or milk replacer until he is at least four-months-old. Don’t wean him off milk until he is eating an adequate amount of high-quality forage along with some grain pellets. Have you had success bottle raising calves?
How long does it take to wean a bottle fed calf?
Some calves can be weaned at four weeks, but others may be up to 10 weeks old. Calves can be weaned from milk either abruptly or gradually over three to seven days.