Early Weaning Considerations

       Early weaning has become more common in recent years due in part to recurring summer drought conditions.  Several studies have shown that early weaned calves have a similar or greater body weight and similar or higher average daily gain than conventionally weaned calves, according to Jamie Larson, a member of the University of Minnesota Beef Team.

These studies also have shown that with early weaning, cow body condition improves, cows begin to cycle sooner, and pregnancy rates increase, says Larson, who authored a detailed report on early weaning that can be found on the Beef Team’s Website at:  www.extension.umn.edu/beef/components/releases/08-17-05-Larson.htm

Early weaning requires closer attention to weaned calves, says Larson.    It also can add cost initially, but these costs can be recouped by a decrease in pasture pressure, an increase in cow fertility, improvements in feedlot performance or gains in selling cull cows earlier, she explains.  

Larson cites the following specific benefits that might be captured from early weaning of calves when they are 3 to 5 months of age, compared to more traditional weaning age of 6 to 8 months:

• Pasture Management—When cows cease milk production their consumption decreases, providing less stress on pastures.  During dry conditions this can create an opportunity to preserve what little forage remains or allow an increased stocking rate when it is not dry. Weaning calves can cut forage consumption by as much as 50 percent.  If calves are not sold directly after weaning, there is a need for facilities where calves can be fed a concentrate.

• Cow reproduction—Research indicates that cows not being suckled will have increased fertility.  Studies also have shown that cows in good body condition will rebreed sooner.  If calves are weaned in the early summer, around 120 – 150 days, those cows will be able to gain body condition, even on lower quality mature forages prior to onset of winter.  Cows in good body condition going into winter have lower feed requirements, increased calf survival rates and a higher rate of reproduction the next season than thinner cows.

• Calf health—Calves weaned early still have passive immunity from their mothers.  Studies have indicated that if early weaned calves are vaccinated one month prior to weaning and again at 6 months of age, they are healthier throughout the feeding period than conventionally weaned calves.  Creep feeding calves before they are weaned can also contribute to fewer health problems.

• Feedlot advantages—Calves weaned early have better efficiency and similar yield grades as conventionally weaned calves. Early weaned calves can also have improved meat quality, with a greater percentage grading low choice or better.

Land O’Lakes Purina Feed LLC offers a range of powerful feed products and consulting programs tailored to your specific cow-calf or feedlot needs, including products and services targeted toward early weaning management.  

Contact your local cooperative handling LAND O LAKES^® Feed products for more information.