Handle calves with care to reduce weaning stress

Late summer and early fall is when we approach the season for weaning calves and introducing new cattle to feedlots. 

The actions taken during this period have a significant impact on the calves’ well-being and performance. A good nutrition program and a smooth transition to their new surroundings are crucial in maintaining health, performance and profitability.

Weaning is a significant event in a calf’s life that can result in serious stress. It marks the point where the calf is separated from its mother and must learn to rely on its own resources to survive. It can be a traumatic experience that leaves them feeling timid and anxious. 

Calves are also often exposed to a range of other stressors during weaning, including transportation, vaccinations, commingling and being moved to a new environment. These changes can be overwhelming and lead to stress-related health issues, such as weight loss, reduced immunity and increased susceptibility to disease. 

Another source of stress during weaning is a change in nutrition. Before weaning, calves rely on their mother’s milk and pasture for nourishment. After weaning, calves must adjust to a new diet, which can consist of unfamiliar feedstuffs. The transition can be difficult, often causing reduced appetite, digestive issues and weight loss. 

Prior to weaning, calves will commonly gain 2 pounds a day. To keep calves on a positive growth trajectory during the high-stress days post-weaning, producers need to closely monitor factors such as water and feed intake, mineral availability, pest pressure and environmental stress.

Calves need to consume a significant amount of water to maintain their health and growth. It’s essential to provide clean, fresh water and ensure there’s enough quantity for all calves. The refill rate should be adequate for the number of calves in the pen, especially for those who are more hesitant to drink from unfamiliar water sources.

Bunk space is another essential factor for calf growth and development. Calves need adequate space to consume feed and water. The recommended bunk space is 8 to 12 inches per calf. When calves have adequate access to feed and water, intake is more likely to increase.

New arrivals may eat poorly for the first few days until they become accustomed to their new surroundings, pen mates and ration. Abrupt changes in feed can disrupt rumen function, which can lead to digestive problems. To overcome this issue, it’s crucial to provide a nutrient-dense diet with adequate protein, energy, vitamins and minerals to overcome their low intake. Feeding calves long-stemmed forage can increase saliva intake, which helps buffer the rumen and allows its microbes to function more efficiently.

During the first two to three weeks after weaning, it’s important to read bunks, monitor ration dry matter changes and deliver feed at the same time every day to help calves transition to a new plane of nutrition. Let the calves tell you when they’re ready to take the next step. It’s also important to include a postbiotic feed additive, such as MFA Ricochet minerals with Shield Technology, to help restore the microbial population and promote rumen health. Not only can this help calves with consistent feed intake, but it can also improve rumen function and overall health and well-being.

Every year, I see more stress tubs or lick tubs used for weaning and receiving cattle. These are placed in the pen to help calves that are coming to the bunk hesitantly or hanging back. The tubs tend to be nutrient dense and soft and are designed to boost fermentable carbohydrate, fat, vitamin, mineral and protein supplementation while improving rumen function and helping calves get on feed. 

Purposeful calf management practices can reduce weaning stress and help ensure a successful program. Work with your MFA livestock representative and veterinarian to ensure an appropriate feed ration and animal health protocol to prime calves to stay healthy and gain weight as they transition into the next phase of life.    

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