By weaning earlier in a tough season, farmers can reduce the nutritional requirements of cows by drying off lactation, helping to maintain cow condition for re-joining.
“This approach has many benefits for producers both in the short and long-term,” said Alex Stephens, Local Land Services District Veterinarian.
“It allows producers to allocate supplementary rations more strategically as it is more efficient to supplementary feed a dry cow and a weaned calf appropriately than to feed a lactating cow with an unweaned calf. Early weaning allows for more targeted management of cow and weaner condition”
“You put this all together and the outcomes are better for overall herd health and productivity, however if done, the weaners must be fed appropriately.”
It is considered ‘early’ weaning when calves are roughly between 3 – 6 months old and weaners are then supplementary fed to meet their requirements.
If you are considering early weaning, you need to think about:
- what are you planning to feed them – protein, energy and quality are important (roughage and hard rations)
- paddock or yard weaning
- reducing stress at time of weaning (i.e. don’t mark calves and early wean at the same time)
- size and weight groupings of calves
- health – ensure vaccinations and drenching is conducted, manage incursions of pink eye and other diseases
- feeding cows with calves for a week or two prior to weaning young calves to familiarise with different feed sources.
“Early weaning is readily achievable and can significantly help with management and maintenance of the condition of cows and calves in a tough year,” said Alex.
"Work out what your plan is, how you are going to manage it and what you are going to feed.”
For further advice, speak with a Local Land Services District Veterinarian via 1300 795 299. Further information is also available at www.lls.nsw.gov.au
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For more information, please contact Chris Finley on chris.finley@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0477 193 761
