Weaning - Articles

Weaning calves – art or science?

When weaning, making sure calves are as comfortable as possible can be the ticket to more pounds on their frames and dollars in your pocket.

November 1, 2024

Zeb Gray

It is hard to have blanket recommendations for producers across the U.S., as environments and production practices vary so much between regions and even producers within regions. Nonetheless, there are some basic principles and practices that will give your calves the best chance at navigating the weaning process.

Weaning considerations

Several proven methods for weaning exist. Consider all the pros and cons before determining which approach is best for your operation.

August 13, 2024

Megan Van Emon

It’s never too early to start planning for weaning. Several factors play a role in making weaning management decisions, such as drought, cow body condition, pasture conditions, weaning weight, calf sale contracts, labor and many others.

Timing of weaning: How should we think about it?

If producers are weaning calves based on a date on the calendar, they might be overlooking just how much leverage they have to control costs simply with the timing of weaning.

April 26, 2023

Jordan Thomas

Our decision on when to wean calves is an incredibly powerful lever we have as managers. How should we make the decision on when to wean?

Combat weaning stress with a new tool for ranchers

An innovative product used by dairy producers is now available to beef operators. Research suggests calves treated with maternal bovine appeasement substance have reduced anxiety during weaning – helping calves fight disease, gain weight and avoid injuries.

September 22, 2022

Gilda V. Bryant

A new tool for ranchers could be a game-changer when preconditioning calves.

Managing nutrition and stress in newly weaned calves

Cattle can encounter a lot of stressors from weaning to slaughter and consequently, a loss in performance. Producers can minimize these losses by spreading out stressful events and using recommended feeding strategies and rations.

August 30, 2022

Levi McPhillips

Fall is a busy time in the cattle business. For the rancher and cow-calf producer, it is the time to reap the fruits of our labor.