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Post by bob123 on Mar 30, 2020 5:15:02 GMT -5
Hi all. I have two cows, a mother and son. Mother is pregnant so I've had to separate them in order to wean the boy (he's 12 months old). How long will this need to be for? Will she dry up after a week or so? I'd like to minimise the separation as much as possible, as it appears very stressful for the animals to be on their own (they're going berserk!). I must add, there is only a metal gate separating them, so they're able to interact, and are in each other's presence. Advice during this stressful time would be really appreciated.
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Post by Dahdo on Apr 13, 2020 10:04:19 GMT -5
Hi Bob, sorry you haven't had a answer, I don't check this forum as much as I once did. She will take a month to dry off. Ideally start weaning by putting a Quiet Wean tab in the calf's nose. They are available at Valley Vet. This will allow him to remain with her for up to 14 days at the beginning of weaning. After that, separate him--the weaning tabs could injure the nostrils if left in too long. When is you cow due? If it is within the next two weeks, separate them immediately. I would not leave him with her while she calves--steers can be be very disruptive during the first couple of hours after birth when the cow is bonding and trying to nurse the calf. Give the calf 4-5 days with the dam and then allow the steer back in. Do you have any other animals, like goats, you could put the steer with? That would help him adapt. I'll try and watch this forum closer and get back to you if you more questions.
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Post by bob123 on Apr 14, 2020 11:33:46 GMT -5
Thanks Dave, this is very helpful. Since my post I've kept the cows separated, and they've calmed down over the course of the two weeks. If the mother is pregnant she'll be due in mid-June (although she's getting bigger, it could just be due to the fresh green grass she has all to herself). From what you've said, perhaps I should keep them separated until after she's given birth, or it becomes clear that she's not pregnant. This could be another couple of months away, and I don't have any other animals to keep him company. If he has access to her, will he still be in the habit of suckling after a month's absence? Any other advice on the matter would be greatly appreciated.
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