Transitions

Justin R. Crocheck
Senior Cattle Consultant

SOME TRANSITIONS IN LIFE can be smooth and then some can be rough. It’s how we prepare for these transitions that is most important to ensure that these transitions go smoothly. It’s the same thing when it comes to weaning the calf crop.

As we prepare for weaning our calves, we need to double check how the calves are doing on pasture with their momma cows. It’s like a pre-trip inspection. With current up and down weather, do we see any indication of illness in the calves or the cows? What’s the body condition of the cows? Are the calves eating creep feed to pull some of the load off the cows? If the calves are eating and on a creep feeder, how much have they been eating on a daily basis (estimate)? An overconsumption of creep may indicate that it is time to wean calves.

What do you need to do to prepare for the weaning process? We recommend that your calves receive a green tag vaccination program two to three weeks prior to weaning based on your veterinary relationship. We recommend the use of our Ignite Stress Tubs prior to weaning and prior to vaccinations, if possible. They help boost the calves’ systems, so they can weather the stress of processing and weaning. Watch the calves’ creep feed consumption and make salt available. All of these things will encourage hydration in your calves
prior to weaning.

Try to wean calves into a pen where they can still see their mommas. It’s like setting up a playpen for a toddler. You put the calves in the pen and bring all the favorite toys: the creep feeder, the salt block, the Ignite Stress Tubs and good grass hay. Make sure the pen is free of unwanted objects that they might put in their mouths or could physically harm them. Lower the creep feeder opening down to one finger from two, and slowly move them toward the bunk. Keep it simple the first 21‒30 days. Once stabilized, we can work at growing the calves.