Editor’s Note: This article summarizes current research and field experience around early weaning. Insights are drawn from studies by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, U.S. land-grant universities, and the Beef Cattle Research Council to help producers evaluate when early weaning may be a practical management option.
Why Producers Consider Early Weaning
Weaning is one of the most stressful and economically significant events in a cow-calf year. Traditionally, calves are weaned between 6–8 months, but under feed or pasture pressure, early weaning — at 3–5 months or even earlier —can be a valuable management tool.
Producers often wean early to:
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Reduce pasture pressure during drought or feed shortages.
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Improve cow condition and conception in thin or first-calf cows.
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Lower nutrient demand when forage quality is poor.
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Optimize feed efficiency when high-energy rations are available post-weaning.
As Williams et al. (2021, J. Anim. Sci.) noted, the goal is not just removing calves sooner — it’s reallocating resources to maintain herd productivity under stress.
Research on Performance and Cow Benefits
Several studies confirm early weaning’s reproductive and nutritional advantages:
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Cow condition and conception: Removing lactation demands as early as 90–120 days postpartum can raise body condition by up to one full unit and improve conception rates by 10–15% (AAFC Lacombe; Univ. of Saskatchewan).
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Feed efficiency: Myers et al. (1999, J. Anim. Sci.) found early-weaned calves fed high-energy rations were up to 15% more efficient than later-weaned calves on pasture milk.
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Drought management: Lardy et al. (NDSU Extension, 2018) reported weaning at 100–120 days reduced cow feed demand by 30–40%, easing pasture pressure and stabilizing feed costs.
These benefits, however, depend on having adequate calf facilities and feed management to avoid health or performance setbacks.
Impacts on Calves
Early-weaned calves are more nutritionally and behaviourally vulnerable during the first few weeks after separation.
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Growth: Calves can reach comparable final weights if fed balanced, energy-dense starter diets and managed carefully (Funston et al., 2012, Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln).
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Immune response: Schwartzkopf-Genswein et al. (2016, Can. J. Anim. Sci.) found stress markers normalize within 10 days when calves are housed in low-stress group pens with consistent routines.
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Behaviour: Calves vocalize more and eat less for several days. Fenceline weaning or grouping with familiar peers can greatly reduce stress (Price et al., 2003).
When Early Weaning Works Best
| Condition | Why It Helps | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Drought or poor forage | Reduces grazing pressure and feed costs | Requires feed and facility readiness |
| Thin or first-calf heifers | Improves condition and conception | Monitor udder health post-weaning |
| High-energy feedlot transition | Maximizes feed efficiency | Calves must be bunk-broke and vaccinated |
| Synchronizing breeding or calving | Maintains herd uniformity | Account for genetics and management style |
Early weaning works best when cows are marginal in condition, feed is limited or costly, and intensive calf care is manageable.
Feeding Early-Weaned Calves
Calves weaned at 90–120 days have developing rumens and limited intake capacity.
Research from Kansas State University (Johnson et al., 2008) and Alberta Agriculture (2020) recommends:
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Starter rations at 16–18% crude protein and 70–75% TDN.
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Palatable forage access to support rumen development.
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Creep feeding before weaning to improve transition success.
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Consistent feed schedules and gradual diet changes to protect gut health.
Monitor closely for respiratory issues and dehydration, especially during the first two weeks.
Management and Welfare
Early weaning adds labour and requires preparation:
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Low-stress handling — calm movement and quiet environments.
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Vaccinations and parasite control — ideally 2–3 weeks before separation.
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Weather protection and clean water access.
The Beef Cattle Research Council (2023) notes that planning and consistency matter more than the exact timing.
Economics and Long-Term View
Early weaning introduces added feeding costs but often improves cow fertility and reduces winter feed needs. AAFC and BCRC (2022) modeling suggests potential net gains of $40–$80 per cow in drought or limited-feed scenarios. When feed is plentiful or facilities are minimal, conventional weaning remains most efficient.
Practical Outlook
Early weaning is a precision tool, not a default practice. When based on cow condition, forage supply, and feed availability, it can protect both pasture resources and reproductive performance.
Successful programs blend science and management, using evidence-based feeding and low-stress handling to sustain both calf growth and herd fertility.
