Page 17 - MWC 8-11-2022s

The Midwest Cattleman · August 11, 2022 · P17
Beef calf weaning management to prepare your calves for future success

By Kevin Gould and Jerad Jaborek, Michigan State University Extension

Weaning is a stressful time for calves. Staging preconditioning practices can reduce stress and allow for more successful post-weaning growth.
Ask two or more beef cattle and is estimated to be about can be moved
veterinarians about weaning 30% of the dry matter intake away to remote
beef calf management, also of a calf from 6 to 7 months pastures.
referred to as precondition- of age. Filling the void left Finally, during
ing, and you are bound to get from nursing should be done weaning, famil-
different recommendations with high quality forages iar water and
for protocols to follow. This and/or concentrate supple- mineral/vitamin
does not mean one is right ments with an elevated pro- source is criti-
or wrong, it just means there tein level the first two weeks cal to assure all
are several options to accom- post-weaning. Additional calves have ac-
plish the same goals. Recom- protein is needed when the cess. Creep feed-
mendations may vary due to dry matter intake of calves is ing calves for a
calf age, labor, nutrition, fa- reduced from weaning stress, minimum of two
cilities, environment, patho- generally lasting 7 to 14 days. weeks prior to
gen risk, marketing plans, The second step should be weaning will increase bunk stress at the time of weaning
etc. planning a weaning location. familiarity and increase may greatly reduce vaccine
Regardless of the ap- Fenceline weaning is a great supplement intake during efficacy. From days 1 to 7
proach, the main goal should choice that allows calves to weaning. Locate supplement post weaning, calf stress and
always be a low stress wean- be maintained on high quali- in bunks near the weaning cortisol level are significant-
ing and preconditioning pro- ty pasture directly across the fence so calves can easily ly elevated, so this is a time
tocol that prepares calves for fence from the dams. This find them and start consum- to avoid vaccinations as ele-
targeted growth and health will minimize the weaning ing supplement quickly. vated cortisol will reduce the
through the next phases of stress by maintaining the Preconditioning practic- calf’s immune response to
production. social bond through the first es including vaccinations vaccines. To achieve desired
As you plan for weaning, 7 to 10 days after weaning. are extremely valuable. In immune vaccine response,
the first step is to meet the It also maintains a familiar general, initial vaccinations be sure to follow label guide-
nutritional requirement of environment and feedstuffs should not be given less than lines. Always observe calves
the calf at weaning. Milk is for the calf during a stressful 14 days before or less than 8
rich in protein and energy time. After day 7, the cows days after weaning, because continued on page 24

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