Weaned Calves: Processing and Health Management

Weaning calves in the fall depends upon the weather and market conditions. To reduce stress and maintain calf health, key processing steps and proper post‑weaning management are essential.
Pre‑Weaning Considerations
Weaning stress is often intensified when combined with vaccinations and parasite treatments. Whenever possible, these procedures should be completed prior to weaning.
Weaned calves require:
  • High‑energy feed with adequate minerals and vitamins
  • Access to clean, fresh water
  • Good‑quality grass hay, which they typically consume more readily than silage or pellets
Recommended Fall Processing Procedures
  1. Health Screening
    • Check rectal temperatures for suspected illness.
    • Treat calves with temperatures >40°C using a broad‑spectrum antibiotic.
  2. Identification
    • Apply a permanent ear tag to each calf.
  3. Vaccinations
    • Modified live respiratory viral vaccine (IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV)
    • 7‑ or 8‑way clostridial vaccine plus Histophilus somni
    • Pasteurella vaccine as recommended by a veterinarian
  4. Parasite Control
    • Treat with a systemic insecticide/parasiticide.
  5. Implanting
    • Use growth implants when appropriate.
Producers should consult their veterinarian for region‑specific recommendations.
Minimum Processing (Cost‑Conscious Option)
If minimizing expenses, producers should at least:
  • Administer a 7‑ or 8‑way clostridial vaccine
  • Apply an external lice control product
Importance of Proper Processing
Even in uncertain markets, ensuring humane treatment and health management is essential. Standard processing offers clear economic benefits:
  • Systemic insecticides improve average daily gain and feed efficiency by up to 5%.
  • Growth implants can increase weight gain 5–23% and improve feed efficiency 3–11%.
  • Recommended vaccinations reduce long‑term costs by preventing disease and performance loss.
Cutting corners often results in reduced health and lower overall profitability.
Post‑Weaning Management
Once calves enter their home pens:
  • Transition them to the target ration promptly.
  • Contact regional livestock and forage specialists for balanced ration development.
  • Monitor calves twice daily for illness, appetite, and water intake.
  • Calves slow to eat may be exhibiting early respiratory disease.
Treatment of Sick Calves
  1. Initial Treatment
    • Treat calves with a rectal temperature >40°C.
    • Use long‑acting antibiotics (e.g., oxytetracycline LA: 5 mL/100 lb SQ; tilmicosin: 1.5 mL/100 lb SQ).
    • Return treated calves to their home pen immediately.
  2. Recurring Illness
    • Move relapsed calves to a hospital pen.
    • Treat daily for 3–4 days (e.g., sulbactam/ampicillin: 5 mL/200 lb IM; trimethoprim/sulfadiazine: 3 mL/100 lb IM).
    • Return calves to home pens after the final treatment.