Weaning is one of the most important times for a cattle producer. It is a time for all of their hard work begins to pay off with a nice large calf crop. Though it may be of a benefit to the producer it doesn’t come without it’s problems.
It is also considered one of the most stressful times in the life of that calf. During this time they are exposed to various stressors that include being removed from the momma, physiological changes, castration, vaccination, dehorning, and the list goes on. With all of this going on it is no wonder that often times calves suffer from all sorts of maladies.
These various stressors can result in tremendous challenges to the calf’s short-term and long-term health and performance. Studies have shown that calves the get sick or become sick during the first 30 days of weaning typically have lower daily gains, and increased costs of gain.
So with the importance that weaning plays in that calf’s life it is important that you get it started on the right foot. The steps that you take now can have an impact that will last the rest of it’s life. But how can you go about doing that? Here are 5 tips you can follow to make sure that happens.
Having calves weaned early is often something that occurs during periods of low forage quality. This typically happens during extremely dry periods, such as what is currently happening in many western states. But what exactly does it mean to wean early?
Protein tubs have been gaining popularity here lately with producers of all sizes. People that use them like the convenience of having a supplement that is designed to be self-fed in the pasture. They can deliver supplemented nutrients that does not require extra labor.
Seems every year Mother Nature wants to wreak havoc on some regions with drought. Drier than desirable conditions cause problems for livestock producers who depend on forages for grazing during the summer months. But on a positive note using proper planning both your cattle and your bank account can survive the drought.
Sulfur for cattle tends to be a bit of a dividing subject for most producers. When it comes to this subject it generates a love/hate relationship with cattlemen. There are ones who love them as well as swear by them, then there are others who feel they are a waste of money.
Weaning time is once again upon us. It is a magical time where everything runs smoothly. Also absolutely nothing wrong ever….. 
Trich, or the more scientific name Trichomoniasis, is a very serious economic problem for cattle producers. Some of the problems that it can cause are a reduced calf crop as well as lower weaning weights. It can cause this because it making your breeding cows infertile and possibly causing a longer breeding season.
Having profitable cattle is the goal of many a producer. But when exactly does a cow become profitable? We have all heard the statement that it takes 6-7 years for a breeding cow to pay for herself, right? What if I told you that is not always the case.
It is weaning time again out on the range. This is the time of year that you as a rancher get to see the fruits of your labor. Labors such as with your breeding programs. But that does beg the question about success.
Salt as you may know is one of the important building blocks for cattle. This, along with other minerals, are necessary for cattle to perform at their best.
