In addition to being weaned, I said goodbye to my individual calf hutch and moved into a pen with a few of my new friends!  I now live in group housing, so I have had to learn live with other calves.  This can be a stressful time but it wasn’t.  We have straw bedding to lay on, fans to keep us cool and cold water to drink whenever I get thirsty.

Since I no longer get milk replacer, I get to enjoy calf starter (5-6 pounds a day) and was introduced to hay which is good!  The goal is for me to grow about 1.75 pounds a day until I am 10 months old.

Thank you for following along, I promise to try and update you more often on what’s going on. 

Bumblebee

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What is milk replacer then?  The easiest thing to compare it to is baby formula.  It’s expensive, you mix it with water, and it provides the newborn calf with a complete nutrition for healthy growing.   One major difference is that milk replacer manufacturers don’t send us samples or coupons like the baby formula companies do, hint hint!

Every dairy farmer who uses milk replacer must choose which type is the best fit for their operation.  Choices can be made based on protein source, vitamin supplementation, medication, ease of mixing, etc.

So what are the major ingredients in milk replacer?

• Crude Protein – helps promote muscle or structure growth.  Protein levels typically range from 18%-30%, ours has 22%.
• Crude Fat – this is the major energy source for our calves and provides essential fatty acids.  Fat levels range from 10-28% with our calves fed 20%
• Vitamins – vitamin A, D and E are necessary for growth and health

You will notice that on the label, it says “medicated”.  We feed a medicated milk replacer because it provides our calves with added benefits regarding their health and performance.  Decoquinate (the medication) is for the prevention of coccidiosis which is an intestinal disease.  There is no withdrawal period for this medication meaning calves fed this product, could go straight to slaughter.  At MDF, we raise all our own heifers and sell the bull calves which are raised for beef.

Dry milk replacer

Milk replacer  is a creme colored dry powder that has no smell.  We follow the manufacture’s directions of mixing 4-5 cups of powder (per 5 gallon bucket) in water.  We will mix enough to allow for 2-3 quarts per calf.

 I’m going to end my post with a video of me drinking my milk replacer. You can send me a picture or video of you drinking milk or eating dairy products too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKP_QizAS9o

Sincerely,

Bumblee & Mary

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I was born on Monday April 21st, 2014 so that makes me 5 days old.  Shortly after I was born, I said goodbye to my Mom and the guys moved me to my own little house or a calf hutch.  This is done to make sure I get the individual care that I need to flourish.  My hutch is very clean and comfortable and keeps me healthy.  Being a newborn, I need to be protected from the other calves’ germs.  I will probably spend 2-3 months living here before I get moved to a new pen where I will be grouped with other calves that are the same age as me.

Relaxing inside my hutch.

Yesterday was a big day, I was weaned from a bottle and now drink my milk replacer from a bucket.  I am learning that when I hear the John Deere Gator, that means that Matt and Ally are on their way out with milk.

Matt feeding me my bottle!

Ally the puppy is responsible for the milk replacer quality control.

I also have free access to water and yummy calf starter feed.  The starter feed is very sweet and I like it!!

Enjoying my calf starter feed.

Separating me from my mom might seem mean but it is the best for both of us.  The guys take great care of me and my new friends.   My mom (Richelle) is also doing really well, I was her first calf and she is now producing milk for all of YOU to enjoy.  I was born here in the United States, but my Mom was purchased from a sale in Quebec, Canada last October!

Thank you for following along.

Love,

Bumblebee

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