Effective Strategies for Stress-Free Calf Weaning

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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 Considerations for Calf Weaning:

1. Stress Reduction at Weaning:

  • Calves often experience stress-related behaviors like pacing, bawling, reduced feed intake, and sickness.
  • To mitigate these effects, producers should implement practices that reduce stress and support calves’ health during the transition.

2. Preparation for Weaning:

  • Begin preparation early, ideally at birth, by addressing dehorning, castration, and vaccinations.
  • Introduce calves to creep feeding and familiarize them with water sources at least four weeks before weaning.

3. Vaccination and Health Management:

  • Consult a veterinarian to develop a vaccination schedule for respiratory and clostridial diseases, as well as shipping fever.
  • Ensure routine parasite control and monitor calves closely during the weaning process to treat illnesses promptly.

4. Feeding and Watering:

  • Provide nutrient-rich and palatable feeds, such as a second-cut grass/legume mix hay and balanced grain rations.
  • Ensure calves have access to clean water, with multiple water points to prevent competition.

5. Weaning Methods:

  • Fenceline Separation: Allows nose-to-nose contact through a fence, minimizing stress and supporting weight gain.
  • Complete Separation: Requires adequate preparation of the calves’ environment for food and water access.
  • Two-Step Weaning: Uses an anti-sucking device to gradually transition calves before separation.
  • Early Weaning: May be cost-effective when forage availability is limited, offering comparable or better calf gains.

Conclusion:
Effective weaning preparation and selecting the appropriate method can help calves adjust smoothly to dietary changes and manage stress. Incorporating these strategies into a management program supports calf health and performance, ensuring a successful weaning process.

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