From Calf to Cow
CALF FEEDING
Like human infants, new calves can get their food straight from their mother. However, young calves must be weaned early on from their mothers if they are dairy cattle. This is so the calf does not consume all of the mother's milk. However, this is not an issue for beef cattle.
In order to properly wean a calf from its mother, the calf must be separated from its mother for certain portions of the day and given different food and water. Young calves should be given an opportunity to eat some grass so that their stomachs begin to adjust to it. By one month of age, a calf should be eating grass and legumes and be offered plenty of water.
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NAME CHANGES
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A calf is fully grown at 2 years. However, female cows are thought to better suited for birthing calves at 3 years of age.
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A fully grown, intact male cow is called a bull.
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A fully frown female cow that is able to birth calves (often at least 2) is called a cow or heifer.
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A fully grown male cow that has been castrated is called a steer.
WATCH ME!
Learning to walk is a new challenge for all young...baby cows are no different! This short video shows a newborn calf taking its very first steps.
