The weaning season is upon us once again, and for those of us deeply entrenched in the cattle business, we understand the profound significance of this time. It’s not just a rite of passage for the calves but a crucial test of our planning and management skills as ranchers. The satisfaction of seeing our calves take that next step is undeniable. Still, we also know that it can be a stressful period for both us and the calves.
Stress during weaning is not just about a little extra bawling. It can have a significant impact on the health and performance of our calves. It disrupts feed intake, slows weight gain, and weakens the immune system, leaving our calves more susceptible to sickness and, in extreme cases, death. These stress-related setbacks may not be immediately noticeable, but they can silently erode our bottom line.
As ranchers, we hold the key to managing stress before, during, and after weaning. Regardless of the method we choose—fenceline weaning, abrupt separation, or a combination of both—our preparation and management can make all the difference in how well our calves handle the transition.
The good news? There are simple, practical steps you can take to help your calves transition more smoothly—and keep their health and performance on track. From vaccinations to familiarity with feed and access to water, a little preparation work goes a long way.
Here are three tried-and-true strategies that can help take the edge off weaning stress and set your calf crop up for success.
Summer pneumonia, sometimes referred to as pasture pneumonia, tends to develop late in the season for producers. It usually hits calves that are still on pasture and haven’t been weaned yet—typically between one and five months old. The frustrating part? It often affects calves that look perfectly healthy one day and are sick the next.
As a rancher, you’re the driving force behind the weaning process—and how it goes depends mainly on you. Weaning is when you start to see the results of all your hard work, from your breeding program to your daily care. But even now, the question remains: will this weaning season be a success? That answer lies in your hands.
