4 Ways to Maximize Calf Value

Introduction

With fewer feeder calves available, prices have continued to stay high and will most likely stay that way into the fall run. In a strong feeder calf market, it can often be difficult for producers to identify areas where premiums can be made come sale time. Producers can still increase calf value through proactive management practices before marketing. Optimizing weight gain and minimizing stress through practices you start the day the calves hit the ground will benefit your pocketbook in the fall.

Vaccination

Calves, at minimum, should be vaccinated for the most common respiratory diseases (IBR, PI3, BRSV, and BVD type 1 and 2) and Clostridia.  Work with your vet to set up a plan and always follow the instructions on the label of the vaccine. Note that vaccinations given at the time of weaning will not be as effective due to the stress of weaning, which could reduce the immune response to the vaccine.

Castration

The preferred method of castration by buyers is surgical removal of the testes (knife) as this method provides a visual of a healed scrotum and gives trust that both testes have been removed. Placing a band above both the testes (banding) is also common. Most importantly, both methods of castration should be done before two months of age. As calves get older, swelling and chronic pain increases. Pain mitigation should be used if castrating calves older than two months. Decreasing pain in any stage of life helps calves return to feed faster and allows them to be more resilient.

Weaning

At a minimum, calves should be weaned for 30 days. Recent market data research by Oklahoma State University reported premiums for weaning length beyond 59 days at some markets. These premiums do not account for associated costs of keeping calves on the farm. Be sure to acknowledge your input costs when determining how many days your calves will be weaned. The time between weaning and sale allows for calves to adjust to living without the guidance of their mothers. Weaning is one of the most stressful times in a calf’s life. During this time, try to avoid any other stressful events, such as castration, dehorning, or vaccinating. Spreading stressful events out across the early lifespan of a calf is a great way to help build resilient calves.

Nutrition

Calves need to learn to eat and drink independently post weaning. Although it seems simple, these aspects can be easily overlooked. Calves should learn how to eat from the bunk before leaving the farm. Recommended bunk space for calves weighing 400-800 lbs. is 18-22 inches. It is common for young calves to want to eat together as a group, especially after being weaned because they don’t realize feed is always available. Not providing enough bunk space early on can lead to variable growth within the group, and a group of calves lacking uniformity is less attractive to buyers. 

Access to clean, potable water is essential for health, growth, and development. If possible, calves should be familiar with drinking from a tank or fountain by allowing their mothers to teach them prior to weaning. Water intake levels will vary based on weight and environmental conditions (Table 1), but the importance of clean, potable water cannot be overlooked.