The weaning process is a critical phase with a profound impact on the health and productivity of calves. Veterinarians specializing in cattle care will shed light on effective weaning management during the Stockmanship & Stewardship program scheduled in Caldwell, Ohio on September 29 and 30. As attendees prepare to glean wisdom from this educational event, let's explore key concerns related to weaning management.
Navigating the Weaning Process: Weaning is a pivotal event in a calf's life, often triggering significant stress. Swift shifts in circumstances within a short span of days can pose risks to calf health. Calves between the ages of 6 to 8 months are particularly susceptible to shipping fever, or Bovine Respiratory Disease. Younger calves benefit from maternal antibodies passed through colostrum, which protect them from diseases. As yearlings, calves possess a mature immune system, bolstering their ability to combat disease challenges.
Curiously, survey data from the NAHMS indicates that approximately 50% of calf weaning is determined by age and weight. However, conventional practices may inadvertently place stress on calves during a time when they are most vulnerable. The confluence of weaning, transportation, vaccinations, dehydration, crowding, and exposure to new environments and pathogens heightens stressors.
Enhancing Calve Health: To safeguard calf health, vaccination prior to stressors is paramount. Stressed calves are less responsive to vaccines, reinforcing the importance of administering vaccinations before stress-induced events. Ensuring that calves are vaccinated before encountering stressors enhances their ability to develop antibodies promptly. Establishing a vaccination program in conjunction with cow-related activities, such as pregnancy checks, can be strategic.
An innovative approach involves "weaning the cows." This process entails relocating cow-calf pairs to small pastures near the corral, gradually acclimating calves to the surroundings. While the cows are transitioned to pens, calves continue to graze and receive supplementary feed. This method minimizes the transition's impact, especially when supplemented by quality pasture. The gradual transition minimizes the abrupt bawling associated with weaning and is supported by the cows' return after 3 days.
Health Management at Weaning: Heifers should be vaccinated against Vibrio fetus, Leptospirosis, and the respiratory disease complex (PI3, BRSV, BVD, and IBR). Employing modified-live vaccines (MLV) is preferred as they elicit stronger immune responses. A suggested regimen involves administering killed vaccines three weeks before weaning, followed by an MLV booster. Additionally, deworming heifers during this period is advisable.
To delve deeper into the realm of effective weaning management, join the Stockmanship & Stewardship program on September 29 and 30, 2023, hosted at the OARDC Eastern Agricultural Research Station in Caldwell. This unique two-day event offers low-stress cattle handling demonstrations, Beef Quality Assurance sessions, facility design insights, and exclusive industry updates from experts like Curt Pate and Ron Gill. Expand your stockmanship knowledge, get BQA certified, and enhance your cattle management skills. Learn more or register at Stockmanship & Stewardship.
As you embark on your journey to master the art of weaning, remember that well-managed weaning practices lay the foundation for healthier and more productive calves.
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle