On-farm Weaning That Works
"I Don't Normally Wean on the Farm - What Do I Need to Consider?"

Table of Contents

1. Pre-conditioning Program
2. Weaning Methods
3. When to Wean

Weaning time is a stressful period for the mother cow and her calf. Traditionally, some Ontario cow-calf producers wean calves the day they leave the farm, thus avoiding the critical attention required to ensure calf health and continued gainability. This could change in the fall of 2003 when calf markets are impacted by the BSE crisis. Weaning calves on the farm and backgrounding for the winter period may become a viable marketing option.

A successful weaning depends on a well-planned pre-conditioning program. Within a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks prior to weaning, calves should be adequately vaccinated, dehorned, supplemented feed, adjusted to water, and all male calves castrated. Any vaccination program should be planned in consultation with the herd veterinarian.

Pre-conditioning Program

Many factors need to be considered for a successful pre-conditioning program.

Feeding

Quality and type of feed is critical for both forages and grains. Palatability and nutrient content of forages is important. Remember the calf has a developing rumen with limited capacity to fill up. Testing forages is ideal but if that is not possible, a general rule is to feed a second cut grass/legume mix. An ideal grain mix for this period would contain a high percentage of oats and limited high-energy grains such as barley and corn.

The method of ensuring the calves get feed is critical. Setting up an area accessible only to the calves, and not the cows, is ideal for forages. A creep feeder is ideal for feeding grain mixes. In either case, ensure all calves receive adequate bunk feeding space.

Watering

Water quality and accessibility is critical throughout the weaning process. Calves need adequate water to replace their mother's milk. During the actual weaning, calves will expire more fluids through their constant pacing and bawling.

Weaning Methods

The actual weaning method has some bearing on success.

Fenceline Method

Fenceline weaning, where the cow and her calf are separated by a fence, has proven to be less stressful. The calf should remain on the side of the fence which was its home prior to weaning. It is then familiar with the locations of water and feed. Ensure that the fence is secure enough to prevent the calf and cow from getting back together.

Complete Separation

If the fenceline method is not possible, the cows should be moved far away enough from the calves so that neither can hear the other. Again, the ideal situation is the calf remaining at the location it was prior to weaning, and the cows moved away.

If the calves must be moved to a new location, more attention needs to be paid to the new environment. Feed should be placed where calves can easily find and adjust to it. More than one water bowl allows calves easier access to water. Waterers should be placed in several places in the cattle yard. No matter which method of weaning is selected, the environment should have areas that allow calves to stay dry and sheltered. Calves should never be confined in a barn that lacks natural light and fresh air. Such locations are ideal environments for spreading disease.

When to Wean

If forages are going to be a limiting factor on a farming operation, it may be worth considering early versus late weaning. Many studies have shown that calves are more efficient in converting pounds of feed fed to pounds gained than feeding the cow extra feed to achieve calf gains through milk production with older calves.

A successful weaning program will reduce health costs and get calves gaining more efficiently during the backgrounding period. Plan now for the weaning program you intend to adopt for this fall.