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University of Wisconsin-Extension
Articles > Meat Production

Preconditioning Tools Available

Written by Sandra Stuttgen
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The goal of your farm’s preconditioning program is to build a health and nutrition plan for your calves that meets the buyer’s expectations and includes tasks you can achieve. To help with that we have designed a Preconditioning Schedule planning tool to use during conversations with your veterinarian and nutritionist. Immediately schedule the corresponding preconditioning dates/tasks once your calf crop is born. Pre-planning allows you to have inventory, equipment, labor, and your facility ready to process and feed calves.

Health program status is also important, so be sure to share your calves’ vaccination and deworming status, including what products were administered, with the next buyer of your calves. We have designed a Preconditioning Record Form as a simple one-page document to accompany the transfer of your calves to their next owner. Sharing preconditioning records with potential buyers builds trust in your reputation.

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Author: Sandra Stuttgen

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Extension Livestock Programs

The Extension Livestock Program provides timely resources and information to help farmers, consumers and allied industry to make informed decisions about beef cattle, poultry, sheep and goats, equine, swine, and meat science. There are also resources for youth caring for livestock.

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