5 simple ways to surge calf growth during weaning

Weaning is one of the most critical times for cattle producers. It is a period when all their hard work begins to pay off with an excellent large calf crop. This challenging yet promising time assures long-term benefits and a thriving herd, instilling a sense of optimism and motivation in cattle producers.

It is also considered one of the most stressful times in a calf’s life. During this time, the calf is 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.

Given the pivotal role weaning plays in a calf’s life, it is crucial to start it on the right foot. The steps taken now can have a lasting impact, underscoring the responsibility and proactive approach required from cattle producers. But how can you ensure this? Here are five tips to guide you in this important task.

Tip #1: Spread out the weaning stressors

The weaning day, a crucial event in a calf’s life should primarily focus on the separation of the calf from its momma. Since this is already a stressful event for the calf, it’s important to avoid adding other stressors. Vaccination, nutrition, and shipping should all have designated days. This staggered approach is 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 plays a significant role in transitioning a calf from nursing to grazing grass to weaning. One low-stress nutrition program is using creep feeding, which is a great way to teach calves to eat from a feed bunk. Creep feeding involves offering calves a grain supplement to help them gain weight. This gradual transition ensures that calves are adapted to the grass and supplemental feed bunk, providing a smoother and more efficient weaning process.

Start by offering calves a grain supplement to help them gain weight. Once the cows are removed, this gradual transition ensures that calves are adapted to the grass and supplemental feed bunk, providing a smoother and more efficient weaning process.

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, ensure they are high-quality 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.” In this post, I discuss the benefits of creep feeding, such as improved weaning weights and reduced stress, as well as the potential drawbacks, including increased feed costs and the risk of overfeeding. 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

Every calf needs essential minerals and vitamins for solid immunity. Ideally, they should consume minerals well before weaning. Mineral deficiencies contribute directly to immune function deficiencies.

Some examples are severe selenium, zinc, and copper deficiencies among calves, which 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 more challenging 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. Mineral deficiency will depend on many different factors unique to each situation. These factors include 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, a form of growth-promoting technology, can significantly impact the calf’s economic outcome. However, this will depend on specific scenarios. If an owner is going to wean and keep 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.” Remember, we’re all in this together, and sharing knowledge is a powerful tool in successful cattle production.