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What
producers had hoped could not happen two years in a row has happened, as
we find ourselves in the middle of another extreme drought. The only
difference this year is there is nothing for us to compare this to.
Having a dry spell in the summer would not be historic, but going so
long in the spring without rain is a whole different ballgame.
While
there is little that we can do to increase rain, there are options that
cattle producers should consider to help reduce the effects of a severe
drought. With the dry spring, poor pasture conditions and a below
average hay cutting, many producers might consider early weaning of
their calf crop.
Weaning
beef calves early can stretch the grazing time for existing supplies.
Dry and gestating beef cows can use lower quality forages because they
need less protein and energy than lactating cows. A producer should
consider early weaning of calves as a management practice when there are
drought conditions, forage quality is short and of poor quality, hay is
expensive, cows are in thin body condition or calf prices merit early
weaning of the calf crop.
There
are several university studies on early weaning calves that can be
researched to determine the overall benefits of this management
practice. The results of some of these studies will provide some
"food for thought" as we make decisions concerning ways to
cope with drought.
One
recent study utilized heifers in severe drought conditions so that there
was a major impact on the body condition score of the dams. At the time
of weaning of the longer nursing group, only 29% of the dams had a body
condition score of 5 compared to 77% of the dams of the early weaned
calves. This difference in condition of the dams continued throughout
the winter in spite of feeding a supplement with free choice hay.
Researchers estimated it would have cost $125 per head more in
additional supplement to bring the nursing cows into equal condition
with the cows from which calves were weaned early.
Other
studies have shown a weight gain advantage of .5 to 1 pound per day for
early weaned calves over calves which were left on the dam during
periods of severe drought. Differences in calf weights would be expected
to be greater the more serious the drought.
Yet
another study focused on weight differences in cows based upon early
weaning of calves. The nursing cows in this study lost an average of 7.9
pounds and the cows in the early weaned group gained an average of 33.1
pounds. This is a total net difference of 41 pounds per cow in the two
groups researched.
Most
studies conclude that early weaning did not result in an increased rate
of illness or in a lack of gain. Calves need to be observed carefully
and fed properly whenever they are weaned. Early weaning can also have a
beneficial effect on the dams.
While
these studies do look impressive, there are still considerations that a
producer must make before deciding if this is a viable option for their
operation. The two biggest concerns with early weaning calves will be
controlling health issues and implementing a cost effective proper
nutrition program.
Studies
indicate that the primary disease problem would be bovine respiratory
disease and close to 10% of the weaned calves will be treated
individually for it. A complete vaccination program should be included
in any early weaning program.
The
second area of concern will be a proper nutrition program. The feeds
that will be offered to calves should be palatable and balanced to meet
the calves’ nutritional requirements during periods of low intake. I
would recommend a feed from the Quality Co-op feed lines.
Preconditioning Ration, T.P. Cattle Ration, Bull & Steer Feed, Calf
Starter or 13% with Bovatec would all be viable feed choices for an
early weaned calf.
Another
option for a nutrition program would be to include a supplement tub.
These molasses based tubs are very palatable and calves will readily
consume the product. Your local Co-op will carry supplement tubs
manufactured by both Crystalyx and Sweetlix.
Place
feed bunks so the animals have to walk around them to pace the fence
line. This stumbling over the feeder concept will help calves find the
feed. Daily feeding or stirring of the feed may also help calves to find
the feed.
Good
quality grass or hay is an ideal forage source for calves. If neither is
available, feed containing roughage products, such as cottonseed hulls,
can be substituted for a percentage of the forage. Keep in mind that the
hay requirements for a weaned calf will be much lower than the forage
requirements of a nursing cow. Even if you provide hay to the calves,
the net gain in forage will be positive.
Also,
remember to provide clean water and a free choice mineral to your
calves. Calves should have easy access to water and minerals to reduce
dehydration during the first few days of weaning.
You,
as an individual producer, should consider the extra labor and feed
cost, potential differences in market price, feed resources available,
nutritional adequacy of feeds available to the nursing calf and the body
condition of the cow herd before deciding on the feasibility of early
weaning. Leaving a calf on its mother when her milk production has
drastically declined is of little benefit, especially when feed quality
is poor. This results in a light weight calf and a dam that will go into
the winter feeding period in poor body condition.
While
we hope the drought ends soon, your local Co-op is ready to assist you
with any feed or equipment you might need during this time. As always, I
am available to visit with you at any time. I can be reached at jimmyh@alafarm.
com.
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