Weaning time is “harvest time” on a commercial beef farm. We should do everything in our power to make this action go as smoothly as possible and negotiate the best possible price for the calves.

One of the first actions to be taken in the run-up to weaning time, is to consider the possible marketing options. The most important aspects to consider are the expected weaner price and the feed:meat price ratio. Since maize (or hominy chop) is the largest component and cost of a feedlot ration, it is essentially the maize:slaughter price ratio. In order to feed profitably, the rule of thumb is that 1 kg of meat must be able to purchase at least 14 kg of maize. A maize:meat price ratio of more than 14:1 is therefore desired. If the expected weaner calf price is not very favourable but the maize/slaughter price is, consideration can be given to finishing off calves yourself – if the other resources are available.

The optimal weaning weight of calves is also always a point of discussion. It is the case that lighter calves’, the price per kilogram of body mass is higher than that of heavier calves. However, this does not mean that marketing calves earlier is necessarily the best option (most profitable). There are many factors that must be taken into account that can affect a producer’s decision. In most cases, weight beats price. But then one has to take into account the condition of the cows, as well as the quality and availability of the pasture, as well as the extra costs associated with lick supplementation and the treatment costs of parasites, if calves are weaned later. Although calves are no longer very dependent on the cow’s milk by the time they are weaned, cows left nursing longer will lose more condition than those that have already been weaned. This in turn can have a negative effect on the condition of the cows at calving. The costs associated with correcting the cows’ condition through the winter for calving time must also be discounted. Since each farm’s circumstances and resources differ, there is no general recommendation regarding the “best” weaning weight and each situation must be handled on its own merits.

The time of year when calves are marketed also plays a role. If marketing takes place before the main marketing season (Apr-Jun), better prices can be expected when there are fewer calves in the market than during peak season. Question to answer: What is the cost of having cows calving earlier (in less favourable conditions), just to be able to wean earlier? Is it really beneficial to wean calves earlier to achieve a better price per kilogram body weight?

If calves are sold at feedlots or auctioned off, it is important that the calves be as “attractive” as possible for the buyers. Healthy, strong and uniform calves in terms of breed, sex, condition and weight will always “catch the eye”. If the calves have been vaccinated in advance against diseases that are common in the feedlots, a premium can be negotiated.

So it’s clear that, to get the most out of the calf crop, weaning involves a lot more than just separating the calves from the cows!

Nutrition & Body Condition

If they look good, they will sell good (well)!

Unfortunately, the nutrition and body condition of calves cannot be adjusted shortly before weaning to expect instant results. There are aspects of nutrition and body condition that are important and can play a role in the expected selling price of calves. That is why it is of the utmost importance that the nutrition of calves should receive early attention in order for them to be in ideal condition by weaning time. Even if calves are finished on-farm, nutrition and body condition of the weaned calves will have the same influence on success as for the feedlots.

Most feedlots are looking for a large-framed calf in good condition (not fat), which can adapt well in the feedlot and has the potential to put on a lot of meat (good ADG over an extended feeding period). This means that calves must grow at a steady rate from birth to develop a good frame. Calves of late maturing breeds are mostly preferred by feedlots, because of their ability to be fed longer/heavier before they reach slaughter body condition. However, it is not always in the best interest of farmers to farm with these type of breeds – a discussion for another day!

If calves are kept in a kraal after weaning, ensure that good quality hay and fresh water is available. Calves that are used to eating out of feed/lick troughs, will also adapt more quickly to the feedlot. Although it is not always practical, by accustoming calves to feedlot conditions (conditioning) just after weaning, better prices can be negotiated.

Vaccination

Administering vaccines is like taking out insurance. Calves should have at least had a black leg, botulism and anthrax vaccination as well as the booster dose of black leg and botulism, before weaning.

The heifers (especially those kept back as replacement heifers), must preferably be vaccinated pre-weaning against contagious abortion (CA) if the S19 vaccine is used (before 8 months of age). If the RB51 vaccine is used, the heifers can be vaccinated as soon as possible after weaning. (To get the best possible protection, RB51 should be repeated two more times before the heifers are bred for the first time).

There are also other vaccines that can be administered pre-weaning, especially if the local conditions or the feedlot to which the calves are sold require it and a premium on the weaner price can be negotiated. Calves that are prepared for the feedlot by giving specific vaccinations before weaning are less likely to get sick in the feedlot. Healthy calves begin to eat faster and have a higher feed intake – all factors that are beneficial for the feedlot.

BVD, IBR, PI₃, BRSV and Pasteurella are probably the most important respiratory diseases that can be vaccinated against. When calves are bellowing and weaned in dry and dusty conditions, experience weaning stress and have a low feed intake – the chances of the occurrence of respiratory-related diseases increase. If producers have a good relationship with feedlot buyers, a premium can be negotiated if it can be proven that these “extra” vaccinations were done before weaning.

Trace mineral supplementation

During stressful conditions, adrenaline/cortisol is secreted which can put the immune system of calves under pressure. This can lead to the calves getting sick more easily. Trace minerals play an extremely important role in the maintenance of the immune system and to prevent the potential damage of oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is a condition that arises when an imbalance develops between the formation of damage-causing free radicals (a natural process that accelerates during stressful conditions), and the formation of antioxidants that must keep free radicals in check. Many of these antioxidants are trace mineral dependent.

The supplementation of injectable trace minerals during vaccination has been shown to increase the effectiveness of vaccines. To launch an immune reaction, there is an increased demand for certain proteins that require trace minerals (so-called “acute phase proteins”). It is therefore critical that calves receives with pre-weaning vaccination or at least 4-6 weeks before weaning, a proven injectable trace mineral supplementation. An simultaneous effective dose of Vit A & E is recommended, as Vit A works synergistically with zinc and Vit E with selenium. An injectable trace mineral supplement can also facilitate the adaptation in the feedlot, resulting in fewer sick calves and better growth.

Parasite control – internal

Parasite free animals perform the best!

Calves are more affected by internal parasites than adult cattle. Weaning mass can be increased if internal parasites are controlled pre-weaning. Parasite-free calves will also handle weaning shock (stress) better.

We rarely see deaths in cattle due to internal parasites. It is also sometimes not so easy to observe the negative impact of internal parasites – especially with roundworms. Liver fluke and conical fluke, on the other hand, can have devastating consequences if not treated in time. Tapeworm can also negatively affect the growth of calves – although it usually occurs at an younger stage. In calves that are weaned very young (<180 kg) and appear lethargic, internal parasites cannot be excluded as a cause.

Liver fluke can impair the ability of calves to perform in the feedlot. The liver is certainly the most important organ as it is involved in so many physiological processes in the body. In areas where liver fluke occurs, it is very important to apply effective liver fluke control. Although the injectable products that control liver fluke are very convenient to use, they have the disadvantage that they mainly – and in some cases exclusively – only control the mature stage of liver fluke. This, while the immature stage actually does the most damage. The early-immature stage of liver fluke is currently only controlled by oral products containing triclabendazole. While one goes to the trouble of dosing the calves, use the most effective means for the best results – the synergistic action of an oxfendazole/triclabendazole combination.

 Parasite control – external

The negative effects of external parasites are much more noticeable than those of internal parasites.

On top of the fact that calves must be parasite free if sold/transported, it can also lead to mortalities due to tick-borne diseases. If calves are not tick-free, the sale of calves at an auction can be refused.

Calves may have developed immunity to red water or gall sickness, but stress from the weaning process, transport and reduced feed intake can suppress their immunity to the point that they become ill – even if no ticks are visible on the calves.

It has also been found that the presence of ticks can suppress the appetite of cattle. If it coincides with weaning, it can further increase the weaning stress.

External parasites can have a detrimental effect on cattle performance – from reduced feed intake at one end to deaths at the other end of the scale.

The following are some general comments of importance in the weaning process:

Weaning process itself

The weaning process, no matter which method is used, places tremendous stress on the calves. At weaning time (±7 months), the contribution of the cow’s milk to the calf’s nutrition is very limited, but the bond between the cow and the calf is still strong. Low-stress weaning techniques are strongly recommended and support good animal welfare and disease prevention in newly weaned calves, with a concomitant reduction in the use of antibiotics. The use of a “2-stage” weaning technique places the least stress on the calves.

The system that most likely causes the least stress, is by placing “weaning nose rings” on the calves, while they are still with the cows. The nose ring makes it difficult for the calf to suckle, as it “tickles” the cow when the calf tries to suckle. After a few days the calf will then stop trying and the calf is then weaned. Nose rings must be inserted at least 10 days before the planned weaning date and then removed again on the day of weaning. Although nose rings have a cost factor, they are reusable. (The time, labour, cost vs reduced weaning shock?)

With the weaning technique where calves and cows are separated and run in adjacent camps (with a very good fence in between) before they are finally separated, weaning shock is also reduced. Cows and calves can therefore see and smell each other, but the calves cannot suckle. The cows and calves get used to it relatively quickly and can then finally be separated.

The weaning process that places the most stress on the calf, is where the calves are removed directly from the cows and transported to an auction, feedlot or “backgrounding” facility.

Other methods such as: keeping the calves in a (good) pen with food and water until they stop looking for the cows (cows should preferably be taken out of earshot of calves); the “swapping” of cows and calves from different herds (herds must not be within earshot of each other!); or whatever method is most practical for the particular circumstances may also be used.

No matter which method is used, plan ahead to have everything ready to make the weaning process go as smoothly as possible.

 Marking of calves

By law, calves must be permanently marked – branded or tattooed – by 6 months of age. This action can also be combined with some of the other actions such as vaccination and trace mineral supplementation to reduce handling.

Selection of replacement heifers

It is important to select the heifers to be held back for replacement before the marketing day arrives. Remember, if selection pressure is placed on fertility, heifers should first be selected from cows that themselves calved early in the calving season – without these cows skipping the previous calving season!! If possible, also hold back a little more heifers than needed to be able to apply selection pressure on fertility with first mating.

For more information, or if you have any concerns or need assistance with disease prevention, treatment protocols, or selecting the correct products, don’t hesitate to reach out to our resident livestock vet, Dr. Izak van Rensburg, at:

WhatsApp: 081 031 4694

Email: izakjvr@hotmail.com