By Andi Anderson
As cattle prices soar, many producers are rethinking traditional practices, including whether preconditioning calves still offers worthwhile returns. While preconditioning has long been viewed as a best practice in herd health and marketing, today’s strong market and high demand for cattle have prompted some to question if it’s worth the effort.
Preconditioning involves vaccinating, weaning, and managing calves to reduce stress and disease before sale. Traditionally, these steps improved animal health and commanded price premiums at auction. But with buyers eager to fill lots, some farmers are debating whether the added cost and time are justified.
Research continues to support the economic advantage of preconditioning. A multi-state auction analysis led by Dr. Darrel Peel from Oklahoma State University found that cattle buyers consistently paid premiums for calves that were vaccinated, weaned, dehorned, or castrated. The study revealed that bull calves were valued $7.39 per hundredweight less than steers, while preconditioned calves earned premiums ranging from $8.68 to $23.36 per hundredweight over a 12-year period.
Dr. Kellie Raper, livestock marketing specialist at Oklahoma State University, noted that premiums tend to rise alongside market prices, reflecting buyers’ desire to reduce risk when cattle are expensive. “There will be premiums to be found for preconditioned cattle,” she said, reinforcing that risk management remains key to buyer decisions.
Preconditioned calves benefit feedlots by lowering morbidity and mortality rates, reducing treatment costs, and improving feed intake and growth rates. However, the decision to precondition depends on each operation’s resources and costs. Farmers must consider both direct expenses like feed, vaccines, and castration, as well as indirect costs such as labour, depreciation, and interest.
Producers can access resources like Oklahoma State University’s preconditioning budget calculator and OSU Extension’s Enterprise Budgets to estimate true costs.
For those choosing to precondition, experts recommend standard practices that include castration and dehorning, weaning for at least 45 days, providing supplemental feed, and administering a two-dose vaccination program for respiratory and clostridial diseases.
While the beef market remains strong, preconditioning continues to offer economic and management benefits for producers focused on long-term herd health and marketing success.
Photo Credit: simplycreativephotography
Categories: Ohio, Livestock, Beef Cattle