Another edition of The Land and still the grip of drought remains strong over much of NSW. Depending on which weather model you believe, it seems likely that a significant seasonal break may still be months away. Therefore cattle producers are faced with the ongoing challenge of managing their breeder herd under trying conditions.
As feed availability decreases and feed cost increases, producers need to manage their herd to ensure maximum feed use efficiency and that both breeders and young stock are maintained in good body condition. One significant management tool that can be employed to this end is early weaning of calves.
The amount of energy required to feed a lactating cow and calf far exceeds that required to feed a dry cow and weaned calf. For a 550 kg cow, producing around 5 litres of milk a day to feed a calf, the difference will be in the order of 30 per cent to 40 per cent, which amounts to a significant amount of feed.
A suggested checklist for early weaning includes:
Weigh calves and wean any that are over 100kg liveweight. Give a second, booster dose of 5 in 1 or 7 in 1 (assuming that the first dose was given at branding). This booster dose confers full immunity and can be given as soon as four weeks after the initial dose at branding. Replacement heifers can have their first dose of Pestivirus and Vibrio vaccine to prevent reproductive diseases during joining. Heifers must receive a second, booster dose to get full immunity. Have this completed a month prior to commencement of joining. Strongly consider giving all weaners a drench for internal parasites. Drench timing and product selection will vary from district to district.
For producers who intend to feed cattle on property or market feeder cattle direct to feedlots, consider giving weaners a respiratory disease vaccine. Given that weaners may end up being essentially lot fed on farm for an extended period due to lack of standing pasture, the importance of addressing respiratory disease control will be even more important this season.
Ideally, wean and manage calves in mobs of around 100 animals. Avoid mixing weaners from multiple different mobs if possible to minimise social and disease related stresses.
When yard weaning allow 3cm/head of trough space for water, 2.5 square metres/head of pen space and aim to have animals confined in a suitable yard for 5 to 10 days. An effective ration for early weaned calves should have an energy density of around 12 to 14 ME and a crude protein level around 16 to 18 per cent. Speak to your local Australian Cattle Veterinarians member for further advice on early weaning management.
