days, rather than just trying to get them to eat all that they will clean up in a day. Specific goals for intake in newly arrived calves to the feedyard would be 2.0% of body weight in Dry Matter Intake by day 10, and then to at least maintain that level. For yearlings, this number could higher, such as 2.3%. There should also be guidelines put in place that limit the increase in feed offered from one day to the next. An example of this might be no more than a 10% increase in amount of dry matter offered to an animal from one day to the next. Following these guidelines will result in unweaned calves not only getting on feed easier and quicker but also remaining healthier while performing better both in their first 30 days on feed and later into the finishing period.
Chuckles From Down Under By: Jane Sullivan, Bell Veterinary Services A teenager had just obtained his driver’s licence. He asked his father, a minister, if he could use the car. His father said, “I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible a little bit and get your hair cut and we’ll talk about it.” After a month the boy came back to his father to discuss the use of the car again. His father said, “Son, I’ve been really proud of you. You have brought your grades up, you’ve studied your Bible diligently, but you didn’t get your hair cut!” The young man waited for a moment and replied, “You know Dad, I’ve been thinking about that. Samson had long hair. Moses had long hair. Noah had long hair, and yes Jesus had long hair….” To which his father replied, “Yes and they walked everywhere they went!”
