Early Weaning of Calves an Option During Periods of Drought

Beef cows are amazing mothers, especially during periods of drought. The cow will sacrifice her body condition and ultimately next year's reproductive performance by continuing to produce milk even when pasture quality and/or quantity is too low to support her basic maintenance requirements. Early weaning of the calves can alleviate some of the nutritional pressure on the cow, allowing her to remain on pasture longer, improve her body condition and ensure high rates of reproductive performance.

Normally, beef calves are weaned at six to seven months of age. However, several studies have indicated that calves weaned as early as two months of age can perform well in terms of gain and overall performance when fed well balanced diets, meeting the animals needs.

Early weaning can range from one to five months and when pasture is scarce due to drought weaning at three to five months of age is a viable option to lower the cow's requirements and put less pressure on the pasture. Overstressed pastures not only take longer to recover but the plants are less vigorous and undesirable plants can invade your pastures.

Even though early weaning is a viable option, there are several management decisions a producer must consider:

Once weaned will the calves be sold directly off the cow, backgrounded or will you retain ownership?
What is the availability of feed if the calves are not sold?
Calves should be castrated, dehorned and vaccinated ten to 14 days prior to weaning. Consult your local herd veterinarian.
Offer creep feed to the calves prior to weaning to allow them to adapt.

Advantages of Early Weaning

Lower nutritional requirements for cows/heifers on pasture
Improved body condition and subsequent reproductive performance of cows and first calf heifers
Extended grazing period on pasture (allows for improved grazing management)
Improved efficiency of gain for early weaned calves

Disadvantages of Early Weaning

Higher labour requirements
Facilities and feed required for early weaned calves
Early weaned calves can be more susceptible to stress and related health problems, especially if proper nutrition and management practices are not adhered to
Early weaned calves may have lower carcass weights or become fatter at lighter weights

Overall, early weaning of beef calves is a viable option particularly during periods of low quality and quantity of feed on pasture.

Prepared by:

Melinda German
Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

For More Information contact your Local Specialist or MAFRI GO Teams Office or Centre.