Calcium for cows

[dexterlady]

I sent this in yesterday and somehow it didn't get posted. Hope I have better luck today. I even sent pictures but they didn't get put on for some reason.
I have a cow 7 yrs. old, with a 3 1/2 month old heifer on her and the momma cow looks terrible. I don't know if she needs worming or maybe some calcium or both. We did worm her before she calved but she looks so gaunt now . She gets 20% cattle cubes, hay and grazes all over ourfront acreage. About three acreas. She looked alright until last week, that's when I started noticing her so thin. She is such a sweet cow and she tends to her heifer very well. When ever she wants to eat, momma just stands there and lets her nurse. But she seems to be dragging her down. The momma cow has been bred back so I am sure this is taking a lot out of her along with the heifer nursing. So another question is, could I wean the heifer off her now or is it too early? The calf looks real good and she is almost half the size ( in heighth) as the momma. I don't want to take any nutrition away from the calf as I am concerned it will stunt her growth. Please let me know what ya'll think. Thanks.....Donna[img src="[/img]"]

[donn500]

Hi Dexterlady,
There are those on here that know much more than I do, but IMHO 3 1/2 months is long enought for a good start on that heifer. I would wean her off before she drags your cow down any further.
Regards,
Donn500

[dexterlady]

Thank you Donn500, I have had surgery ( cancer) and so I just got to wean the heifer last night. Boy between the heifer and her mother, her aunt and her cousin, they all made a racket all night. I didn't get much sleep. I ready to get up and go let her back in with her mother. But she a little better today. In three more weeks the other heifer ( her cousin) will be weaned so she will have a friend in there with her. They were both raised together so when I separated them, the two heifer calves balled half the night. So thanks for your reply. Donna

[dexterlady]

Guess I better proof-read before I send my posts. Sorry about all the misspelled words. I am very tired tonight.....It should have been " bawled " Thanks...........Donna

[donn500]

Hi Again Donna,
Hope you're feeling better from your surgery. Hadn't really noticed your misspell. :>) Just a thought, but is it really necessary to wait another 3 weeks on the "Cousin" heifer? Might be good to wean her immediately to help avoid stress all the way around.
Donn

[legendrockranch]

Donna,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know what a strong gal you are, if anyone can beat this you will.
Let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do.

Wishing you all the best.

Barb

[dexterlady]

Hello Donn, no I guess it probably wouldn't be necessary to keep th one calf with her mom, but her mom isn't being pulled down like the other one. But I think I willgo ahead and just put the two calves together. The other one is hoarse now from bawling. Thanks Donn..............Donna

[dexterlady]

Barb, you are one of my dearest friends and I appreciate all your help. I do enjoy so much when we talk about the Dexters. You have taught me everything I know so far about our little cows. And if you really don't mind, I will keep calling you for advice. You seem to be more knowledgeable than most. So if you don't mind me being a pest when I get into unfamiliar territory with these Dexters, I will keep calling you.
And thank you so much for the thoughts and prayers, everyone can always use extra prayers. God bless you & Chuck.........Donna