ADVANCED EARLY WEANING - CATTLE
Elders Livestock Production can provide expertise on ruminant nutrition,
production and project management services.
Early Weaning Calves – Parndana K.I. 2010
Why Early Weaning is a good idea?
Whilst milk is an excellent source of nutrition and immunity for the newborn animal it
becomes an increasingly inefficient way to meet the nutritional requirements for growth.
The process of a cow converting feed into milk and the progeny then converting milk into
meat and other products for growth is not as efficient as providing each with their own
specific requirements.
Therefore the total amount of feed required to maintain both animals is dramatically
reduced once they are separated. This has long been recognized as a valuable tool in
drought management to reduce the total feed requirement, however the same benefits can
be gained in normal seasons if early weaning becomes an integral part of the normal
management. The longer the interval between calving and weaning, the greater the
consumption of high value pasture.
The significant reduction in overall feed requirement following early weaning creates a
relative feed surplus or the potential to increase carrying capacity.
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Fertility responses to early weaning reflect the influence of energy balance and condition
score on the reproductive responses of the breeding unit. There is also significant
evidence to show that removal of a suckling calf cause hormonal changes in the cow that
stimulate cycling. Trial work at Oklahoma State University showed that heifers had their
first cycle 20% earlier when their calves were early weaned compared to those with calves
weaned at the normal age. Cows whose calves were early weaned cycled 43% earlier.
Pregnancy rates were 39% higher in heifers, and 17% higher in cows with early weaned
calves.
What is involved?
There are a number of simple management and nutritional techniques to be
employed in this process.
Imprinting
Previous exposure to hay, pellets and grain is very beneficial in the training of behaviour
which improves uptake during the weaning process.
Stress Management
This will help to quieten cattle and stimulate appetite.
A pelleted supplement can be fed or a liquid supplement provided on hay for the first two
days.
Vaccination and Injections
A complete protocol for vaccination, drenching, vitamin and trace element supplementation
needs to be developed for your location.
Introduction of Weaner pellet
A weaning pellet specifically designed for this program can be gradually introduced and
fed with a small amount of cereal grain.
Yard Feeding
The aim of this period of feeding is for both stimulation of maximum rumen development
and for bunk training.
The recommended period for feeding of weaning pellet and grain is usually about 21 days.
The age of the calves is a factor, with younger calves benefiting from a longer feeding
period.
A Complete Ration
The rest of the animals diet will depend on the situation. Hay should also be provided and
a protein supplement may be needed depending on the hay type and pasture available.
Good quality water is also essential.
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