Weaning Programs

 Fall is here and thousands of ranchers will be weaning their spring born calves.  At McLean, we have found that properly weaned calves feed cheaper, have less sickness and grade better.   Outlined below are the key areas of any successful weaning program. 

1. Time:   Calves should be weaned a minimum of 45 days and preferably longer.  60 days seems to be optimum.  The longer the calf is weaned from its mother the more it will be able to handle the stresses of transportation and changes in environment.

2. Vaccinations:  Proper vaccination programs depend on the ranch facilities.  It is very important to work with your local veterinarian to set up a proper vaccination program.  At minimum a calf should receive a modified live vaccine for IBR, BVD, BRSV, PI3 and a Clostridial vaccine at weaning and a booster modified live vaccine for IBR and BVD approximately 3 weeks after weaning.  This assumes that the calf already received a Clostridial vaccine, an IBR/BVD vaccine that is safe to give to nursing calves, and the bulls were castrated at branding at approximately 2-3 months of age.  If the bull calves have not been castrated, then the time factor discussed above is even more important.  Another option is to vaccinate the calves three weeks prior to weaning with a Clostridial vaccine and an IBR, BVD, BRSV, PI3 vaccine that is safe to give to nursing calves.  Then give a modified live vaccine for IBR, BVD, BRSV, PI3 at weaning.  Giving a vaccine for Pastuerella is debatable regarding the efficacy and economic value.  All vaccines, especially modified live vaccines, should be properly stored and handled according to label instructions.  For example, the vaccine guns and syringes used to administer modified live vaccines should not be cleaned with any disinfectant or soap and the needles should not be dipped in any disinfectant.  Proper cleaning of a vaccine gun includes cleaning it with hot water and a scrub brush, and placing the vaccine gun in a pot of boiling water for at least five minutes.  All shots should be given subcutaneously in the neck area and needles should be changed often (every 10 head or so).  Internal and external parasite control depends on the time of year, geographic area, and the length of time the calf will be at the ranch.  The longer the calf will stay at the ranch or other grazing program, then the more important parasite control will be.  All cattle entering the feedyard will be treated for external and internal parasites.  Again, producers should consult their local veterinarian to set up a proper vaccination and parasite control program. 

3. Feeding Program:  The goal of a proper feed program for weaning is:  a) to provide adequate nutrition for the calf to respond properly to the vaccines and raise the level of resistance to viruses and other pathogens; b) learn to eat feed, hay or cake from a trough; c) gain weight at an economically viable rate, usually ½ pound to 2 pounds per day; d) provide proper mineral nutrition to enable the calf’s immune system to respond properly to the vaccines; e) learn to drink from a water trough or tub.  Feeding large amounts of calf starter rations is usually not economical and will hurt feedyard performance.  Feed salesmen are notorious for giving bad advice to cow/calf producers just to sell feed. The most economical weaning programs rely on forage produced on the ranch and supplemental feed, usually cottonseed cake and grass.
4. Handling:  Weaned calves should be handled quietly and with minimum use of hot shots or dogs.  Calves should be use to people on foot as well as horseback.  Gentle calves adapt quicker to the feedyard environment and perform better at the feedlot and packing plant than wild calves.   There is data that shows that gentle calves also grade better.  All vaccines should be given under Beef Quality Assurance guidelines.

Sources of information were the Texas A&M Vac 45 Program, Dr. Ted McCollum Texas A&M Extension Service, Dr. Clint Irwin DVM, and the opinions of the owners and manger of McLean Feedyard.  For more information go to the following websites or contact: 

Texas A&M Department of Animal Science Website:  http://animalscience.tamu.edu/ansc/index.htm

Oklahoma State University Department of Animal Sciences Website:  http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/

USDA Meat Animal Research Center Website: http://www.marc.usda.gov/

Colorado State University Department of Animal Sciences Website: http://ansci.colostate.edu/

Texas Beef Quality Producer Program http://www.texasbeefquality.com/ 

Dr. Ted McCollum Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Texas A&M

Office:  806-677-6500

E-mail:  ft-mccollum@tamu.edu

 

Dr. Clint Irwin DVM  Hansford County Veterinary Clinic

Office:  806-659-2100

 

Laphe LaRoe  Manager of McLean Feedyard

Office:  806-779-2405

E-mail:  laphe@mcleanfeedyard.com

 

B3R – Placements are filling fast for October forward. 

Give us a call in regards to your anticipated placement needs.  As of September 1, the natural premium has been doubled.  

 

If you are considering enrolling cattle in our CAB program and want more details please contact Laphe LaRoe or Evan Easley here at the feedyard.

 

 

Email us @

laphe@mcleanfeedyard.com  or evan@mcleanfeedyard.com

 Some Information for this newsletter source from:   Laphe LaRoe, Jay O’Brien, Dale Smith, Evan Easley, B3R, CBP, Amarillo Globe News, the Internet, TCFA & NCBA.