When it’s time to wean the spring calves, the most important thing we can do to keep them healthy is to minimize stress. Tom Troxel, Professor and Associate Department Head for Animal Science, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension, is a believer in fence-line weaning. He said the calves will actually gain through the weaning process. Ideally the calves will stay in familiar pasture and still have the comfort of knowing Mama is just across the fence. He said they will wean themselves in three to four days.
Eldon Cole, Livestock Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, said although some studies have shown little difference in long term benefits compared to traditional weaning, it is “a good recommended practice.” There is so much less vocalizing that it keeps the neighborhood much happier. The cows and calves spend more time resting and grazing and less time bawling and walking. The fence can be any kind, but he suggests electric fencing to reinforce security.
Dairy calves are much easier to wean since they were usually only with the cow for a few hours or days. It takes 21 days for the rumen to function properly, so the calves must have been eating some grain for three weeks prior to weaning. Four weeks is a good time to start the weaning process, providing the calf has been offered feed within the first week of life. Feed them half of their usual milk for two or three days, then half just once a day for a couple of days. It is best if calves are dehorned, tagged and/or steered before or after the calf is weaned, not at weaning.
The vaccines to be used depend on the farm. “Some owners don’t vaccinate if they are selling the calves immediately,” Troxel said. However, if the calves are to be pre-conditioned, or value-added, they should have the first vaccinations a week or so before weaning, and the booster after they are over the stress of weaning. It’s routine to vaccinate against IBR, BVD, and Blackleg. Pre-conditioned calves will know where the feed and water is and have been weaned for 45 days. They are much less likely to get sick when transported.
Regardless of the method of weaning, Cole said, “observation is often underestimated or over-looked completely when it comes to keeping calves healthy.” He said someone with a good feel for the calves should watch them at least twice a day. If a calf gets up and stretches, he probably feels pretty good. Also notice if they’re chewing their cud. Any calf showing signs of distress, such as droopy head or ears, breathing hard, cough, nasal discharge or dry nose should have temperature taken and be treated if it’s over 103 degrees. He said don’t wait to see how the calf looks tonight, or in the morning because treatment will be more effective if given early.
Cole added that a visit with the vet can be very helpful because he sees a lot more than one group of cattle and knows what’s going around. He will also know what to try first and be able to suggest a plan B. If any calves are treated it’s important to keep a record. “No treatment plan is complete if there are no records,” he said. Fresh feed and easy access to water was also noted. Any drastic change usually means sickness, so keeping calves in familiar surroundings should be a big plus.
