Introduction

For many producers, ‘preconditioning’ is synonymous with ‘vaccinating’; however, while vaccinations are important, they take a back seat to calves’ preconditioning nutrition. Separation anxiety at weaning causes the release of cortisol which suppresses the immune response and increases susceptibility to diseases. The immune system needs energy to function properly.

Proper nutrition and hydration matter most

Calves who know how to eat from a bunk and drink from a tank or fountain handle separation anxiety better than those who don’t. For a week or two before weaning, have the cows teach the calves to eat from a bunk by providing the group access to small amounts of highly palatable grass hay and grain in a bunk, ideally in the location where the calves will be weaned to further aid with familiarity.  Set the bunk height for calf access and provide 3-3.5 ft/head to help prevent calf injury. Provide clean and potable water in this location. At weaning, separate the cows while leaving the calves in place. Keep the cows in sight; fence-line contact between calves and dams during the first week of weaning has been shown to reduce separation anxiety. (Gifford, Burns, and Ward). 

Feed twice daily for the first 10 days after weaning so you can observe their attitude and health and determine who is not coming to the bunk or not eating. Compare calves to each other; are respiratory efforts or rates different? Are their feces different? Be prepared to restrain calves for a physical exam and possible treatment. Pre-plan health protocols with your veterinarian so that you will have treatments on hand.

Balance their ration

Weaned calf rations should provide 75-85% total digestible nutrients (TDN) and their feeding protocol needs to gradually transition to minimize digestive upset. At weaning, calves often eat about 1% of their body weight (BW). Typical rations are 50/50 concentrate/hay, but actual percentages depend upon the quality of forage used.  An example of a feed management plan for weaning is as follows:

• Weigh calves at weaning to start with accurate weight data.
• Begin by offering 0.5% BW of concentrate (grain or starter; mixed with minerals and possibly a coccidiostat) and 0.5-1% BW in highly palatable grass hay, preferably that which you fed pre-weaning. (Waggoner. Kansas State University). For a 575 lb. calf this is 2.8 lbs. concentrate (575 x .005) and 5.75 lbs. hay (.01 x 575). Put the hay on top of the concentrate as they are probably most familiar with it. 
• Increase concentrate to 0.7% BW on the second day, while keeping the hay amount the same.
• Incrementally increase concentrate while keeping the hay consistent, so that by day 7-10 post-weaning the calf is eating 2-2.2% BW (dry matter basis) for the total daily ration consumed.  

Clean, dry calves are less likely to get sick

To decrease the need for manual cleaning, the sloped (well-drained) weaning area should provide 100 sq. ft/head, non-slip surfaces, shade, and wind protection. (Beef Housing and Equipment Handbook). Newly separated calves often pace the perimeter rather than eat and drink, so locating feed and water in their path is especially important if calves have not been introduced to the weaning area before the separation day. Use soil or fill to raise the standing surface around bunks and waterers so smaller calves can reach both. Bunk space after weaning needs to be 1.5 – 2 ft/head. Fresh, clean water must always be available. (Jenkins, Griffin, and Stalker). 

Shrink, but recover and grow

Calves may shrink 3-5% because of weaning but will gain 30-50 lbs. during the first month of a well-managed weaning and preconditioning plan. (Lincoln and Hinman). Target daily gains to 1.8 to 2.4 lbs. per day during the preconditioning period. Gains much higher than this may result in overly fleshy calves at sale time and research has shown that fleshy calves are often discounted (Stuttgen, Halfman, and Sterry).

Successful weaning is achieved when calves stay on feed and realize a moderate rate of gain despite being separated from their dams. Don’t give anxious calves additional excuses for not eating and drinking by providing appropriate bunk space and clean water. House them in a well-drained area so they remain clean and comfortable. Watch for disease symptoms and promptly treat them if needed. 

We invite you to read our previous preconditioning article, What is included in a preconditioning program? and to review other preconditioning tools included in our Livestock Program topic hub. 

References

Gifford, C., Burns, S. and Ward, M. Minimizing weaning stress on calves. 2018. Guide B-221. College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University Extension and Outreach. Accessed July 3, 2024, https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_b/B221/index.html

Waggoner, J. Feeding newly-weaned calves. 2016. K-State Research and Extension. Accessed July 5, 2024, https://www.ksre.k-state.edu/news/stories/2016/10/feeding-newly-weaned-calves.html

Midwest Plan Service. Beef Housing and Equipment Handbook. MWP-6. 1986.ISBN 0-89373-068-8

Jenkins, K., Griffin, D., and Stalker, A. Management, health and nutritional consideration for weaning calves. 2015. UNL Beef. Accessed July 3, 2024, https://beef.unl.edu/management-health-and-nutritional-considerations-weaning-calves

Lincoln, S. and Hinman, D. Preconditioning of calves. BCH-5475 Cattle Producer’s Library. Iowa Beef Center. Accessed July 9, 2024, https://www.iowabeefcenter.org/bch/PreconditioningCalves.pdfStuttgen, S., Halfman, W, and Sterry, R. What is included in a preconditioning program? 2023. University of Wisconsin Division of Extension. Accessed July 3, 2024, https://livestock.extension.wisc.edu/articles/what-is-included-in-a-preconditioning-program/

Reviewed by

Bill Halfman
Beef Outreach Specialist
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension

Adam Hartfiel
Regional Livestock Educator
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension

Author

 

Sandy Stuttgen

County Livestock Educator – Sandy is an associate professor with UW Division of Extension and serves as the agriculture educator for Taylor County. Her focus areas include cattle well-being and quality assurance programming, farm financial risk management, and farm succession.

Articles by Sandy Stuttgen

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