5 tips to become really successful at calf weaning

Weaning is one of the most critical times for a cattle producer. It is a time for all of their hard work begins to pay off with an excellent large calf crop. Though it may be of benefit to the producer, it comes with its problems.

It is also considered one of the most stressful times in that calf’s life. During this time, they are exposed to various stressors that include being removed from the momma, physiological changes, castration, vaccination, dehorning, and the list goes on. With all of this going on, it is no wonder that calves often suffer from all sorts of maladies.

These various stressors can result in tremendous challenges to the calf’s short-term and long-term health and performance. Studies have shown that calves that get sick or become sick during the first 30 days of weaning typically have lower daily gains and increased costs of growth.

So with the importance that weaning plays in that calf’s life, it is essential that you get it started on the right foot. The steps that you take now can have an impact that will last the rest of your life. But how can you go about doing that? Here are five tips you can follow to make sure that happens.

Tip #1: Spread out the weaning stressors

The goal of the weaning day should be the separation of the calf from its momma. Since this is going to be stressful enough for the calf, the goal is not to have other stressors added to it. Vaccination, nutrition, and shipping should all have designated days. Different days are necessary to minimize the stress on the calf’s immune system.

Calves shipped off the ranch 45 to 60 days after weaning can adjust to maternal separation and their new nutrition before adding the stress of a new environment. If it is not feasible for you to keep them that long, consider using a proven backgrounder close by.

Tip#2: Examine your vaccination strategy

The vaccines that you use present another stress management option. This option is because some products can themselves be a significant source of stress. An example of this is because intranasal vaccines are applied within the calf’s nose; their contents do not enter the bloodstream, where most adverse reactions are initiated.

The timing of the vaccines is also essential. Instead of waiting to vaccinate calves when they reach the feed yard, vaccinating 2 to 3 weeks prior is ideal. The problem with waiting till they arrive is that they can be exposed to the disease before the vaccine can have that effect. Doing it before they come will provide early protection against respiratory and clostridial diseases. Booster doses can be given once the calves have settled down, often signaled by them eating well. Generally, this happens 2 to 3 weeks after weaning.

Tip #3: Think about using creep feeding

Nutrition does play a significant role in transitioning a calf from nursing to grazing grass to weaning. One low-stress nutrition program is using creep feeding. Creep feeding is a great way to teach calves to eat from a feed bunk.

Start by offering calves a grain supplement to help them gain weight. When you do this, once the cows are removed, calves will be adapted to the grass and supplemental feed bunk. With a smoother transition, they will continue to gain weight efficiently.

Starter rations should be nutrient-dense so the calves get adequate energy requirements. They should also have natural protein feeds, no urea or NPN, and no fermented feeds. Moving them up in steps is vital when using a starter ration. Calves should eat 1.5% of their body weight daily before transitioning to a grower diet. If you are providing forages, make sure that it is high-quality in order to aid in digestibility since the rumen is still developing.

Introduce creep feeding 2 to 6 weeks before weaning. If you are interested in learning more about creep feeding, then check out one of my previous posts, ” The Pros and Cons of Creep Feeding.” Also, providing access to water troughs before weaning will also help calves learn that not all water is in a pond or stream.

Tip #4: Mineral Supplementation is Important

There are essential minerals and vitamins that every calf needs for solid immunity. Ideally, they should be consuming minerals well before weaning. Mineral deficiencies will contribute directly to immune function deficiencies.

Some examples are severe selenium, zinc, and copper deficiencies among calves tend to result in decreased feed intake, reduced efficiency, and lower weight gains. A zinc deficiency can also lead to increased foot problems. Moderate deficiencies of these minerals can be harder to recognize but cause similar symptoms. Having similar symptoms is why a mineral deficiency can cause poor calf performance in the feedlot.

Supplemental vitamins further support immune functions in calves. Vitamin A plays an influential role in the weaning process by maintaining the health and integrity of the tissues lining the respiratory system. A healthy respiratory system is crucial for bawling calves living in dusty or confined conditions.

Which minerals are most important for peak calf performance? Sadly there is no exact recipe for mineral supplementation for all scenarios. The minerals deficiency will depend on many different factors that are unique to each situation. These factors are forage quality, soil factors, region of the country, time of year, and even the type of animal.

Tip #5: Consider the economic impact of implants

Implants can have a significant impact on the calf’s economic outcome. However, this will depend on specific scenarios. If an owner is going to be weaning and keeping the calves for six weeks or longer, then implants may be of value.

The good thing about implants is that the investment is low versus the amount of return you will get. The return on your investment can be as much as $30 to $40 per head. Implanting can be added to a preconditioning program. Ideally, you want to implant about three weeks prior to weaning.

If you want to learn more, there are many articles out there about weaning, including one by South Dakota State titled “Preparing the Beef Calf for Weaning.”