This is a subscriber-only article
Before buying weanlings, consider what market you will be selling these cattle into.
With lower feed pricesf, finishing bull calves as young bulls next spring is an option.
Buying U grade weanlings can be difficult without overpaying. Try to keep to a budget, or look to buy store-like bulls that can improve in grade if properly managed.
Aim to buy bull calves around 360kg to 400kg liveweight. This leaves a bull needing to gain 300kg to 350kg of liveweight over a 180- to 200-day feeding period (approximately 1.7kg/day).
Once you bring these animals home, put them into a bedded shed for a few days and offer 2kg/ day of meals to allow them to settle.
If the calves are not vaccinated for respiratory diseases, you should vaccinate them before they join your main herd.
Clip their backs and give a worm and fluke drench around six to eight weeks post-housing. Group bulls for feeding based on weight and type.
Build-up on to ad-lib meal feeding over three weeks.
Offer fresh straw or silage as roughage and ensure that they have clean drinking water.
SHARING OPTIONS: