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Health Aspects of the Early Weaned CalfBy Arden
Wohlers DVM Western Nebraska is in another year of short rainfall. Once again, ranchers are faced with the decision of weaning calves early to stretch rapidly disappearing forage resources. A few years ago, there was considerable concern for the health of these calves facing the stress of weaning at 3 to 5 months rather than the traditional 7 to 8 months. Ranchers have found that the mild summer weather makes the transition much easier for calves, compared with the autumn weaning season. The results showed that the post weaning health was as good, if not better, in the early-weaned calf. This is due to residual protection remaining from the colostrum received from the mother during the first few hours of their life. However, there are certain practices that could further improve the success of an early weaning procedure. Exposure to vaccine to protect against the more common diseases may not give protection at a young age. However, when you administer a vaccine after the calf is 35 days of age, there is evidence that you have created a memory in the immune system that results in a much higher level of protection after a second dose. You should give the booster dose 3 to 4 weeks before weaning. You should plan your choice of products with consideration to the health program of the cows. These vaccines could include rednose, virus diarrhea, parainfluenza, syncycial virus, haemophilus, pasturella, and the clostridial family of diseases according to the prevalence on your operation. To minimize product loss due to injection site blemishes, you should administer all vaccinations in the neck area. Early weaning procedures planned because of drought means working calves in hot dusty corrals. Steps to take to minimize this problem would be wetting the corral, working the herd in small groups and doing the work in the early morning hours. You can use a hydraulically adjusted squeeze chute so you can process the cows and calves in the same line without sorting. When worked carefully the calves are old enough that the cows can avoid stepping on them. An optional procedure at this time could be product application for fly control and other parasites. Ranchers have used numerous methods of reducing the stress to the calf during this transition period. The ones used with success include introducing the calf to the feed truck and ration while still with the cow, or feeding smaller amounts several times during the day for 4 to 5 days. Fence line weaning has proven its value. Antinurse devises are successful but will be more labor intense. Weaning methods that allow the calf to remain in his home pasture with familiar feed is beneficial. Calves should have access to clean water at all times. It is critical to feed these young calves a very palatable ration of 15 to 16% protein that has a good energy level. A multimineral package that is available to the calf before and after weaning will supply the immune system with the nutrients needed for optimum function. Sick calves are a result of suboptimal immunity, the presence of a disease agent and stress. Proper planning can keep the number to a minimum. Each year that a rancher uses early weaning methods, he will make adjustments that will improve his success. Consult with someone with experience and modify the steps to fit your situation. |