My favorite thing to do on the farm is feed my calves. I enjoy being around them and actually listen to them eat. It’s not something everyone gets to experience. So, today, instead of trying to explain the beauty of watching these animals eat, I thought I would simple show you. These are pictures of Dad and I feeding the calves with 5-gallon buckets of feed that is specifically mixed for these calves and what they need most in this time of their lives.

So, I hope you enjoy! These pictures capture the pure details. The dust in the air. The little drops of moisture on their noses. The corn sticking to their noses. Everything. Take a look….

I hope you enjoyed my little look into feeding cattle. I hope you enjoyed their cute faces. If there was a certain picture that you enjoyed, let me know!

The feed that the calves are eating is a mixture of ear corn, shelled corn, and protein. They are given a certain amount of food, depending on their size and need. We don’t just throw out a few buckets and hope it’s enough. Dad has years of experience working with rations and what is a good amount to feed the calves. Did you know that calves can actually over eat and cause serious health problems or death? By a farmer figuring out rations this prevents this from happening.

We use ear corn because it’s a great addition to their diet. The corn cob actually serves as a source of roughage. Roughage is something that cattle need. Why you ask? Cattle have different stomachs then we do. They use the roughage (hay/corn stalks/silage/corn cobs) to help their stomach break the other things in their stomach down. Cattle are very unique creatures with a very interesting digestive system! If you’d like to learn more about rations, feedings, why we feed what we do, or other questions–let me know! I’ll be glad to assist you!

My favorite thing about these pictures? I stood at the end of the bunk and took these while they ate. My animals trust me. They appreciate me. If they only knew what they did for me.

Thanks for stopping in!!

Kellie