When should we wean a prospect?

[88AG]

We have a 2 month old bull calf we are trying to get ready for a show February 10th. When should we wean him he is already eating some feed. The cow has good milk and is in good condition.

 

[88AG]

Picture added

 

[Barry Farms]

3-4 months of age

 

[AAOK]

NOW

 

[AAOK]

NOW

 

[ZNT]

We shoot for 120 days to wean, and have weaned as early as 90 days with no adverse effects.  We put the same feed out as creep feed as the calves will be weaned on, leading to a very easy transition.

 

[obie105]

If you haven't started creep make sure you start that before weaning cold turkey. We also do daytime weaning that works pretty well where the calf is in the barn and on feed during the day and out with the cow at night. We usually do this for a month before we completely wean.

 

[Cardinal_Crest_Shorthorns]

I agree with obie105, we use day weaning quite a bit and it works really well, I would definitely try that

 

[RyanChandler]

What would be the problem w/ separating the calf so that you could start feeding him and working w/ him and, then in the evenings, letting the cow in w/ the calf to nurse?

 

[88AG]

Thanks for the replies, what do you think of the calf?  We will probably try separating them during the day and then at 3 months fully wean him.

 

[88AG]

The calf is a purebred simmental out of built right. His 3/4 sibling was Grand Champion bull in San Antonio earlier this year.