Careful planning and management are critical to maintaining animal health at weaning. Before starting the weaning process, the first step is making sure the calf’s immune system is ready for the stress of being separated from its mother.
“I encourage producers to work with their practicing veterinarian and review their herd health protocols for weaning in advance of when they start the weaning process,” says Jason Warner, Kansas State University Extension cow-calf specialist. “Have an annual conversation and a plan put together that can be adjusted each year.”
Megan Van Emon, Montana State University Extension beef cattle specialist, says the goal should be to strengthen the calves’ immune systems before they face the challenges of separation from their mothers, potential transportation and new environments.
“Proper vaccination can help reduce health risks during this critical transition period,” she summarizes.
Warner, Van Emon along with John Hall, University of Idaho Extension beef specialist, and Ron Lemenager, Purdue University beef specialist, share these three strategies to help keep calves healthy at weaning.
1. Develop a Vaccination Strategy to Boost Immunity.
“One of the first things I suggest is a good vaccination program that a producer works on with their veterinarian,” Hall says. “The earlier you can reach out to your vet, the better; just to get those vaccines lined up. Make sure they have them in stock and ready to go for you.”
It takes 10 to 14 days for a calf’s immune system to sufficiently respond to a vaccine, so immunizations should ideally occur two or three weeks ahead of weaning. The specialists explain vaccinating calves for the first time at weaning is too late, as it doesn’t allow sufficient time for the vaccine to work before introducing calves to increased exposure risk.
Lemenager recommends a minimum of two vaccination rounds for weaned calves — one before weaning and then the second at weaning.
Hall reminds producers to review the vaccination protocols and be sure to booster if needed.
2. Don’t Combine Stressful Procedures.
Lemenager stresses the importance of not combining weaning with other stressful events such as castration and dehorning. He suggests castration and dehorning at branding or earlier, if possible, to reduce stress.
3. Observe for Illness Indicators.
“It’s that seven to 10 days to two weeks after weaning that we’re going to start seeing any kind of health issues,” Lemenager says,
It is important to monitor and watch for early signs of health issues, including:
- Water and feed intake
Lemenager says dehydration is a common issue that can cascade into other health issues. - Activity level
- Eye brightness
- Ear position
Hall says to watch for droopy ears and depressed-looking calves. - Nasal discharge
- Breathing quality and speed
- Coughing
- Manure
Hall says to watch for manure inconsistency as well as for signs of coccidiosis (blood-tinged) - Overall energy and movement
Lemenager explains if you have a weaned calf with any of the indicators it is a good strategy to take its temperature and then work with your veterinarian or herd health provider to develop a strategy and come up with the first line of defense before a potential outbreak occurs.
Get BQA Certified
Hall reminds producers about the importance of the Beef Quality Assurance program and encourages all producers and their employees to get BQA trained and certified.
The BQA program’s mission is to guide producers toward continuous improvement using science-based production practices that assure cattle well-being, beef quality and safety. The program provides cattle producers with the resources to enable continuous improvement with the mindset of doing things the right way at the right time.
“When vaccinating or working cattle, be sure to follow BQA procedures,” Hall says. “Including proper injection sites, never mixing two different vaccines in the same syringe, using the proper sized needle and changing them often, keeping vaccines in a cooler and out of the sun (proper vaccine handling).”
Check out the BQA Field Guide for a quick reference to information.
Implementing the strategies suggested by the Extension specialists can significantly improve calf health during the weaning transition, resulting in better performance and increased profitability.
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