What I didn't say in the video was that we had an alley down the middle of the barn for easier unloading of the calves when we brought them in on Tuesday. We could swing the panels open and usher the calves down the aisle to the pen in groups of two. Considering that this bunch is a little on the rowdy side compared to calves we have had in the past, this setup was much better than what we have created the past.
We also found out that Angus start eating feed and will forage at only a couple days old. With our Jerseys we expected this. But, with the Angus we just set it up like we did with the Jerseys so they would get used to the objects in the pen. We were surprised when we set up the water pales and the calves started drinking right away. They were with their mothers up to this point though, and we all know that calves and other baby animals learn by watching their mothers. So, they probably were foraging and drinking water right beside them even though they are still at nursing age.
What I do like about raising beef breeds is that the owners of the cows allow the calves to suckle and get the mother's first milk which has all the rich nutrients and natural immune supporters. With dairy breeds, the farmers/ranchers will try to get the calf off the cow as soon as possible or not let them drink the mother's first milk at all as they try to get as much $$ from milk sales in their operations. This generally leads to malnourished calves that get sick quite easily.
What I do not like about raising beef breeds is that they are bigger and stronger and are harder to manage then the dairy breeds. But, as long as you have a good strong fence, time, and patience, they do bring in a juicier burger to enjoy on the grill in the summer months!
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