To optimize the calf’s health, all factors affecting weaning should be considered. These factors include the method of weaning, feedstuffs to be fed, supply and availability of water, vaccination protocols, environmental conditions, handling of the calves and products to help the rumen develop and function better during times of extreme stress.
The western region of the U.S. has experienced some unusual circumstances this year that may change the way weaning has been done on ranches in the past. Drought conditions with dust, along with heavy smoke conditions in many areas, are environmental factors that will need to be considered when planning to wean and when making decisions on how this may affect the calves’ respiratory health.
What method will you use this year to wean? Will it be the “traditional method” of sorting the cows and calves, and then moving either the cows or the calves to a new location away from each other? Or will it be the “fenceline method,” when the cows and calves are sorted and placed next to each other in separate pastures? Will it be the plastic nose piece “weaner” method, in which the plastic nose piece is placed on the calf for weaning purposes before they are sorted and moved after 10 to 14 days? Each ranch certainly has limitations on how calves can be weaned, and there is not a one-size-fits-all method for weaning calves. However, planning and thinking ahead can help reduce the stress caused by this process.
Producers have many factors to consider regarding the health of calves during weaning. For example, it is very important to have an excellent vaccination program from branding to weaning, and the process of vaccination is certainly stressful on its own. There are many great vaccinations on the market today that will protect a calf from viral diseases, clostridial diseases and respiratory diseases. However, to vaccinate and to provide an immune response that will last, the rancher must follow label directions on the vaccine. This means that if a vaccine has instructions to booster in 21 to 28 days, then that vaccine must be boostered to provide the immune response needed to help protect the calf.
For example, if the vaccine is suitable for calves 8 weeks old and older, then younger calves may not have developed an immune response when they were vaccinated. Professionals in the field of immunology agree that at any given time, a vaccine for a herd may only be 85 percent effective. Not all calves will have an immune response in the same manner, and not all calves will be fully protected. A balancing act exists in choosing when to vaccinate for the purpose of getting the best immune response possible.
In using a traditional weaning process, many producers struggle to decide whether or not to vaccinate on the same day or let the calves rest for some time before vaccination. In using the fenceline method, producers must ask if the calves will be vaccinated when first sorted or after a couple of days. The weaner method presents its own challenges, particularly if calves are vaccinated and then turned back on the cows. Finally, there is also the concern of the calves responding to the vaccine while under extreme stress. Due to these concerns, it is crucial for cattle producers to discuss their immunization process with their veterinarian, and immunization processes can change from year to year.
Producers must also maintain a profitable weight gain for calves during weaning. A calf that is stagnant in weight gain is going to cost the ranch money. Historically, many ranchers wean calves on grass pastures and leave them there for several weeks. What must be considered, however, is if the pasture is high enough in quality to provide growth rates of 1 pound or better.
Weaning in a dry lot also presents a new set of challenges. It is possible the calves have never been in a dry lot and never drank from the lot’s waterer. Because of this, it is crucial that the calves have clean, fresh drinking water that is accessible at all times. Even if waterers are available, calves may not always use them. Water consumption and dry matter consumption go hand in hand. Have plenty of water available, even if it is temporary stock tanks, and make sure that it is fresh and cool.
Nutrition is another important aspect of weaning, and there are three main types of rations. The first ration is the perfect ration that the nutritionist calculates with a computer to balance the exact amount of nutrition, including trace minerals and vitamins. The second ration is the actual ration that is mixed up. It is important to note that the proportions are correct and items are added in the appropriate amounts. The third ration is what the calf eats. It is necessary to minimize the effects of variation, as a calf might separate the feedstuffs or does not eat all of what was given.
Products are currently available on the market to help a calf gain weight in the process of weaning and can be used to help maintain appetite, digestion and dry matter intake during periods of stress. Products such as Power Punch, a high potency nutrient and energy drench, can be used to supplement a strong amino acid profile, along with vitamins, trace minerals and readily available energy. This product helps calves through a stressful period until they start to eat and can be drenched when the vaccinations are given. Make sure the drench applicator is sanitized after each animal, because just like needles, they need to be changed during vaccinations to minimize the transference of disease.
Probiotics is also a great way to provide beneficial bacteria at a time of stress to maintain good appetite, dry matter intake and digestion. Gel products can also be given at vaccination time when the animal is independently confined. Powder or granular products can be added to the feed to provide probiotics as well.
While cattle producers have potential complications to consider when weaning calves, no matter what method is chosen, support is readily available. A conversation with a veterinarian can be very informative when developing a vaccination plan for calves during weaning and prevent any potential complications from occurring. Many products are also available in supporting appetite, weight gain, digestion and nutrition during the difficult process of weaning. With this support available, weaning need not be stressful for both calf and producer. 
Kelton Spain is a national accounts manager for Vets Plus Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and a Master of Science in agricultural and extension education.
PHOTO: Many ranchers wean their calves by leaving them on grass pastures for several weeks. Photo by Julie Brown.
