Time factor in weaning of calves

The major priority in beef production is to produce as many calves as possible. The main objective of weaning is therefore to enable a cow to calve every year by allowing her to regain condition after weaning.

Natural weaning involves slow changes in diet and a decrease in the strength of the dam–calf relationship, allowing a gradual independence of the young from the dam. Natural weaning in general starts when milk provides only 40% to 50% of the nutritional requirements of the young and, in cattle, it occurs between 7 and 14 months after birth.

However, in commercial farms weaning is done earlier, and usually involves abrupt and simultaneous changes in diet and in the social environment. Early weaning is defined as separating calves from their dams at less than 180 days of age; moreover, early weaning can be performed with calves as young as 45 days of age.

There are many considerations for weaning, including time of weaning, preparation for weaning, method of weaning, and post-weaning management.

Time of weaning can be altered to manipulate cow body condition to maintain high reproductive rates and reduce winter feed requirements. Shifting calving or weaning dates can result in improved herd performance. Profits may increase through greater reproductive performance by cows, increased calf marketing options, and increased cull cow marketing options.

Early weaning has resulted in heavier calves at the time that normal weaning would have occurred (i.e. more than 180 days of age), and younger, heavier calves at slaughter. In addition, one of the most interesting aspects of early weaning is that calves’ genetic potential to produce intramuscular fat may be maximized.

Calves can be weaned any time after their rumens become functional, that is, when their digestive system can process whole feeds.
Time factor in weaning of calves