The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Cattle => Topic started by: pigsatlesrues on March 28, 2008, 07:54:05 am
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We are giving some thought to buying a male dairy calf from our French neighbour to raise for meat. Our aim when finances permit is to buy a Charolais to raise for beef (we buy it and the neighbours raise it and we have half each).
In the mean time we are giving some thought to raising a dairy calf to say four months ish.
What is involved and what space for grazing is required - what feed stuffs will we need to produce the rose veal. It is that V word again but assume that would be the correct name for such a young animal.
Not interested in just feeding milk although I guess that could be part of it since they would normally feed from their mother.
I could only comtemplate this knowing that the animal will have the best life and the best food stuffs for it's short life. If the feedback you give me suggests that we should leave well alone then that is exactly what we would do.
At the moment we take a quater of their calf that they raise for themselves and exchange for pork. We have friends interested in some meat as well so really want to consider this option.
Thanks
Kate
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Kate,
Not sure about dairy cattle but charolais is fantastic meat, and the idea of going halves with neighbours sounds a good idea.
Would be interested in other peoples comments of dairy- just another idea to think of for the future
Ben
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If you read my previous posting I may be able to help.
Regards
J.