[humphreymctush]

So if you let the cow wean each calf naturally what age is the calf likey to be when this happens, how long before the cow can conceive again and therefore what would the interval between each calving be?

[Rosemary]

Cows don't need to be weaned before coming back into season. Suckler cows would normally be bulled before the calves are weaned, probably when the calves are about 3 months old so that the cow calves every year. I don't know when the cow will start knocking the current calf off - I'd guess about 9 or 10 months old.

[humphreymctush]

I've often wondered why I see a bull in fields with cows and young calves so that explains it.
So to set myself off with the "One cow" plan could I buy two calves, maybe one of each so that they had company. train the heifer to be easily handled and then eat the boy when she has her first calf? Does this sound like a reasonable plan or would he be too old by then?

[Rosemary]

A traditional breed would be ready 24-30 months old, I would have thought. It woudl have to be a bullock though, not an entire bull. Others more experienced can advise better of age at finishing.

[humphreymctush]

And what age would the heifer be when she could have her first calf?

[Rosemary]

Two years old.

[humphreymctush]

Thank you very much for all this useful information Rosemary.