Weaning - Calves

Management objective: Evaluate management and marketing strategy.

Points to Remember

• The market value of the calves produced is affected by factors such as the fertility of the herd or the weaned weight of the calves.
• Knowing the marketing alternatives available and the way the market system works will have an important effect on the profitability of the cow-calf operation.
• Predicting future price trends is necessary to make an informed decision on which market alternatives will be the most profitable in any given year.
• Factors affecting calf prices include feed grain prices, international markets, the price and supply of beef, pork, pultry and fish, plant proteins and consumer demand.
• The annual price cycle for calves typically has the lowest prices for the year in mid fall and the highest price in early spring.
• Better marketing decisions will be made if the producer weighs the alternatives well before weaning and plans for the most profitable alternative for that particular year.
• Market news sources include daily radio farm broadcasts, the Canadian Cattle Association CANFAX website www.canfax.ca, and the Alberta Agriculture & Food Market Report on Ropin' the Web.
• Parasites can cause serious economic losses. The best time for parasite control is in the fall using a systemic endectocide.
• Herd performance should be measured and evaluated at weaning time.
• Weaned weight of the calves is affected by milk production and pasture quality affecting average daily gain and the age of the calf at weaning.
• Reproductive performance of the cows should be considered when selecting replacement heifer calves.
• The target weight and condition score for replacement heifers must be kept in mind when planning their winter feeding program.

• Weaning is stressful to calves. It is best to conduct other stressful procedures such as vaccination, castration and dehorning at least two to three weeks prior to weaning
• Give the necessary vaccinations and booster shots before weaning.
• Watch weaned calves carefully to see that they are all eating and drinking. Calves that are slow to come to feed may be showing early signs of shipping fever or pneumonia.
• Isolate all sick calves as soon as possible where they can be given proper care and where they will not infect other calves.
• Calves under weaning stress need energy from feed. Feed must be palatable. Calves will usually start eating good quality long hay quicker than chopped hay, grain or pellets.
• Preconditioning programs may be benefial when marketing calves.
• To reduce shrink in marketing calves, ensure that they have been on dry feed and handled quietly.

• Review plans and goals for developing replacement heifers.
• Plan the feeding program for calves that are to be held over the winter.

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