The home farm

A welcome change occurred at the beginning of last week. Along with the excitement of preparations for a Leinster final, the gradual weaning strategy put in place drew to a close.

Milk feeding was cut down to once a day for the week pre-weaning. Having this strategy in place limits the stress of the removal of milk from the diet. 

Although removal was not welcomed by both parties, the preparation of the milk before work and in the evening before training was finished.

When purchased, one bag of milk replacer was budgeted for each calf and together with the concentrates fed, would equate to close on fifty euro per calf for rearing.  

As feeding unfolded, just over four bags of the magical powder were required. Although some may argue the fifth bag would be no harm, I felt the cost out-weighed the benefits of feeding the fifth bag.

Savings on the bag of milk replacer reduced total rearing costs by €40.

Concentrate in-take has surpassed the target of 1kg/head/day and is being complimented with fresh grass on a regular basis. In my opinion it is important to examine the faeces of stock being fed concentrates.

If whole grains are passing through the digestive system and exiting through the faeces it is clear the enzymes and rumen aren’t coping with the feeding levels.

Combining the clear faeces with concentrate intake, age and health it was an ideal time to wean the stock.

Weaning can be a stressful period for animals. Observing livestock around this time must be the number one priority. Thankfully these girls managed ok. The only downside to weaning has been their protest and actions over the past week.

Without fail there has been one calf the far side of the electric fence each morning at feeding. To make it worse, it’s the same animal each time.

Similar to most, I have a feeding routine each morning with the first stage putting the overalls on. 

Time got ahead of me one morning and I proceeded minus the overalls.

I noticed I was getting extra attention with an increased level of contact from the calves, similar contact the likes of Paddy Holloway or Kieran “The Bear” Martin enjoy on the football field.   

On exiting the paddock I noticed the left hand side of my good jeans were covered in glorious clear faeces. Stress minimised for stock, maximised for stock man. They got their revenge for taking their milk away!

Grass has been very stressed until the recent deluge of rain that fell last week. The lack of moisture has resulted in the grass plant entering the reproductive stage quicker than anticipated.

This is a challenge when targeting leafy grass to priority stock. The freshly weaned calves are receiving a fresh allocation of grass every two to three days.

Older stock won’t be as fussy as the calves and will clean up any grass left behind ensuring post grazing targets are achieved.