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Autumn weanling sales are in full swing and competition between buyers is fierce, resulting in strong prices on offer.
Spring-born weanlings will be under stress from the change in environment, putting animals at higher risk of respiratory problems.
It is essential these animals are well managed when arriving on farm from the mart. Outlined are five tips to bear in mind when purchasing weanlings this autumn.
1. Buy animals of similar type and weight
Buying weanlings of a similar type, size and weight makes it much easier to manage animals post-sale. Cattle of similar size and weight will be easier to group in pens.
There will be less bullying within a uniform group, compared with animals with greater variation in age and liveweight.
Buying cattle of a similar type means there will be bigger groups to sell at the same time. If the plan is to finish bulls next June, this gives you greater bargaining power for a higher beef price.
2. Buy cattle in the shortest time period possible
Buying as many animals as possible in the shortest time frame is recommended, as it reduces the amount of exposure to disease for animals already on farm.
When weanlings are purchased every week over a longer time, animals already on farm are constantly exposed to a greater disease challenge.
3. Housing management when arriving on farm
When weanlings arrive on farm, the aim should be to get animals settled as quickly as possible. Management will differ depending on the animals.
Stronger weanlings, which are properly weaned, can be slipped out to a sheltered paddock beside the farm yard and closely monitored.
Do not turn them out to bigger paddocks, or outfarms, as this limits the level of observation for health issues.
If strong weanlings arrive back to the farm at night, house and let out to a paddock the next day if weather is dry.
For younger calves sold straight off the cow, these animals should be housed in a well ventilated shed with access to clean, dry bedding when arriving on farm.
These animals are at higher risk of respiratory problems and should remain housed for the winter.
4. Silage, concentrates and water
On arrival on farm, offer calves concentrates during the morning and evening. It can be as little as 0.5kg/head in each feed.
The purpose of concentrates is to monitor calves for early signs of sickness. Healthy calves should come forward to feed as soon as concentrates are offered.
Animals that hang back may need closer inspection for health issues. Once settled, concentrates can be fed once per day on top of silage.
Weanlings should also be offered good-quality, high-dry matter silage. Hay can be fed in the first week on arriving on farm to provide additional roughage and help adjust to the new environment.
Make sure weanlings have unlimited access to water. Drinking troughs should be kept clean at all times.
5. Vaccinations and parasite control
Vaccines and parasite treatments should be delayed for at least one week from when weanlings arrive on farm, allowing animals to settle.
Excessive handling will add to stress levels, particularly in spring-born calves coming straight off the cow.
Treating internal parasites in such animals as they arrive on farm significantly increases the risk of respiratory problems.
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