NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665
September 28, 2000
With forage in short supply on some pastures this fall, prompt weaning may be a wise strategy for cattle producers, a North Dakota State University expert says.
"Weaning spring-born calves now is a great benefit to the cow," says Russ Danielson, an NDSU animal scientist. The stress of providing milk for a large calf and sparse forage supplies could easily reduce cow weight by 60 to 80 pounds over the next several weeks.
Some North Dakota producers wait until the end of October or later to wean calves. Often weaning date is after the first snowfall.
"Weaning will cut the feed requirement and cost for cows by about half," Danielson says, noting that it’s easier and more cost effective to maintain cow body condition than to restore it. Good body condition for cows is a significant factor in the health of next spring’s calf crop.
Calves born in June or earlier should be able to be weaned now without major problems, he says. "In fact, warmer weather is more conducive to calf health because it reduces the stress they have to face." He reminds producers to plan ahead. Vaccinations should be completed two to three weeks before weaning.
"Having those calves processed and weaned earlier also increases your marketing options," Danielson notes. "If opportunities arise, you will have the calves ready."
Danielson notes that some producers may need facilities for feeding calves to bring them up to market weight if they wean now. Weaning calves that are younger than 90 days old is risky, he notes. "Weaning calves that young brings a significant risk of death and disease."
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Source: Russ Danielson, (701) 231-7648
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629