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Spring calves born in February and March will be coming close to weaning. How well cattle are managed during the weaning process will have a big impact on calf performance over the winter.
Alternatively, if calves will be sold through special sales this autumn, properly weaned calves will command higher prices in the ring.
Outlined are five tips to help prepare calves for weaning.
1. Breaking the cow and calf bond
Weaning is a stressful time on cows and calves, as well as the farmer.
Rather than abrupt weaning, it is good practice to gradually break the bond between cows and calves.
In order to do this at grass, you will need electric fencing with either mains supply or a battery unit with a bigger charge.
Raise the wire at certain points in the field to let calves creep ahead of cows.
Use a taller fencing post, or simply tape two plastic stakes together to raise the wire by 4in to 6in to let calves under, but still hold cows back.
Placing a creep feeder ahead of the calves will encourage them to graze in front of cows.
Alternatively, if paddocks are adjacent to a secure laneway, prop open the field gate and fix a creep gate to allow calves move on to the lane where thay can be fed concentrates.
2. Creep feed
Offering calves concentrates can ease the process of weaning.
It can also reduce any drop in calf performance during the process.
Start by feeding calves 1kg/head daily.
Depending on grass availability and sward quality, increase concentrate levels to 2kg/day around two to three weeks prior to weaning.
Where calves will be sold as weanlings, increase concentrates post-weaning once grass quality starts to tail off.
Continental-type heifers can be built up to 3kg/day after weaning, with bull calves built up to 4kg/day.
Be careful that calves do not become overfat, in which case, ease back in feeding.
3. Calf health up to date
Ensure calf health is up to date before weaning.
Give animals a worm dose around three weeks before you plan on to wean.
After dosing, calves will be under slight respiratory pressure as they cough up dead worms.
Leaving this dose to weaning time increases the risk of pneumonia, given the calf will be under greater stress.
It is also good practice to vaccinate against IBR and pneumonia in advance of weaning.
4. Wean in batches
Never wean all calves on the same day. If calves develop respiratory problems, it can spread to all animals and treatment costs will escalate.
Instead, wean in two or three batches, depending on numbers.
Either select bull calves for weaning first, so that they can be separated and offered higher concentrate levels, or, alternatively, wean the calves to be sold in October first, followed by the calves for sale in November.
Splitting the weaning process means there are fewer animals to monitor and treat in the event of a disease outbreak.
5. Monitor carefully
Once weaned, monitor calves carefully.
Feeding concentrates in a trough for the first week after weaning will let you observe how quickly animals come forward to feed.
Calves which are slow to come forward may be sick.
When weaning, cows can be housed for a short period to dry off, but, where possible, calves should remain at grass, as fresh air will reduce health risks.
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