Early Weaning Strategies For Challenging Forage Conditions

Weaning calves early could help with saving resources this year. Photo by T.L. Meyer

By T.L. Meyer | Beef Systems Extension Educator / Karla Wilke | Cow-Calf Stocker Management Specialist

When grass is limited, early weaning may be a viable option for cow-calf producers. If grazing pressure needs to be reduced quickly and/or cow body condition needs improved, early weaning can fit the bill. Weaning removes any grazing pressure from the calf and removes milk production from the cow’s nutritional requirements, reducing her dry matter intake by 20%.

How early can calves be weaned? While calves have been shown to be weaned successfully as early as 45 days, keep in mind that the rumen development of young calves will influence the weaning process. Around 85-90 days of age, the calf’s rumen is developed enough to be considered a ruminant rather than a pre-ruminant, although the size of the rumen is small and therefore feedstuffs must be highly digestible to promote high passage rate and feed intake. For this reason, waiting until 100 days of age to wean may provide an easier transition to the weaning diet. At 100-plus days of age, a calf can consume 1.5 to 2.0% of its body weight on a dry matter basis.

Early weaned calves require increased labor, particularly for daily feeding and close monitoring of intake and health to prevent problems early.

Preparing calves for early weaning may include introducing them to new feeds, feed bunks and/or different watering systems while still with the cow. Fermented feeds such as silage can be unpalatable if unfamiliar prior to weaning. Will the weaning facility allow lighter-weight calves to access feed and water easily? Early weaned calves should have at least 12 inches of bunk space. Work with your veterinarian to determine what pre-conditioning or preparation should be completed prior to weaning as well as developing a plan to manage any health outbreaks following weaning.

Separating cows from calves should be done with as little stress as possible. Consider variations of fenceline weaning or two-step weaning compared to abrupt weaning.

Early weaned calves are efficient and can gain well when provided a consistent, highly digestible diet. Focusing on rumen undegradable protein helps calves gain muscle and bone structure as they grow. These calves need to eat small amounts frequently due to their small rumens. Deliver feed on a consistent schedule to ensure availability and to maintain intake and performance. Save low-quality feeds for more mature members of the cowherd.

While lighter-weight calves often bring premium prices per pound, total revenue may be lower than selling heavier calves. Producers should compare the value of added gain to the costs of feed, labor, yardage, and health management before deciding to grow early weaned calves to heavier weights. Marketing plans will vary depending on each operation’s resources, but the decision often hinges on whether the cost of gain is lower than the market value of added weight.

Early weaning is a drought management strategy that protects cows but requires strong calf management.