Cattle Processing
Weaning
Calf removal or weaning allows the cow to build up her Body Condition Score (BCS) before the birth of her next calf. This can be a stressful time for both the cow and the calf, because the bond that existed from birth is permanently removed.
Proper nutrition, management and vaccination before weaning have been shown to reduce or eliminate post-weaning diseases at home and in the feedlot. It takes two to three weeks following a booster vaccination for a calf’s immune system to begin functioning appropriately.
Weaning stress can be managed or reduced in a number of ways.
Fence Line Weaning
Fence line weaning allows the cows and calves to have several days of fence line contact, but the calves are unable to nurse through the fence. It requires adequate facilities to allow for feeding and watering the calves, dust control if necessary, and the fence must be structurally strong enough to prevent the calf from reuniting back to the cow.
Early Weaning
Early weaning is a management practice that is put into action during drought conditions, or when forage quantity is less than desirable. The calves are sold early with hopes of leaving enough forage for the remaining herd and until the growing season.
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Montana Beef Quality Assurance,
821 N. 27th St., PMB 159,
Billings, MT 59101,
406-896-9068(o), 406-671-0851(m)
cpeck@montana.edu
Montana Beef Network,
119 Linfield Hall
Bozeman, MT 59717,
406-994-4323,
mharbac@montana.edu