Weaning can be one of the most stressful events in a calf’s life, and how it’s handled has a big impact on animal health, growth, and long-term performance. Stress from weaning can lead to increased sickness, reduced feed intake,...
Weaning is a key milestone in beef cattle production, marking the transition from a milk-based diet to solid feed. While natural weaning can occur gradually over several months, conventional beef production often involves weaning calves between 5 and 8...
When pastures are under pressure—whether from drought, excessive moisture, or seasonal changes—beef cows prove their resilience. Even when forage quality or quantity drops, a good cow will continue to produce milk, often sacrificing her own body condition and future...
Weaning is a necessary management practice in beef production but is often associated with stress for both cows and calves, particularly when done abruptly. This study compared the effects of two weaning methods—abrupt separation and fenceline weaning—on animal stress...
According to a published article at Ohio State University, weaning represents a significant transition in the life of a beef calf, introducing various stressors that can impact their health and development. These stressors include separation from the dam, dietary...
Ranchers can minimize stress and reduce calf loss by carefully planning the weaning process. Several factors impact calf health and well-being during this critical transition, including changing weather conditions, weaning methods, and proper herd management.
Managing Weather-Related Stress
Extreme weather conditions,...
Source: Government of Manitoba
In Manitoba the most common type of cow/calf operation is what we would consider “Winter Calving”, where calves are born in the January - March period. There are several reasons for this but basically this system...
Source: Oklahoma State University
Weaning marks a pivotal moment in the life of a beef calf, but it's also one of the most stressful.
At 6 to 8 months, beef calves undergo a series of stressors including separation from their dam,...
Weaning calves is a critical transition in cattle management that significantly impacts both the mother cow and calf. Proper preparation and thoughtful weaning strategies can reduce stress, improve health, and support weight gain in calves during this challenging period.
Key...
Weaning beef calves can be a stressful process that affects their health and performance. This study explored ways to reduce stress and improve outcomes by testing four weaning strategies and the impact of shipment timing. Researchers evaluated 288 calves...
