Consider early weaning as tough conditions on the cards

MANY farmers have read the signs of tough conditions ahead and have lightened off the numbers or weaned early.

With feed and water shortages likely as we move into summer, industry officials are urging those who haven’t, to consider weaning their beef calves early to save on requirements

Agriculture Victoria livestock industry development officer Dr Hannah Manning said early weaning could help cows maintain condition and fertility while setting up the calves to receive the nutrition they need to thrive.

“Lactating cows require a large amount of energy, it’s more efficient to convert feed directly into the calf weight than milk for a cow and calf unit,” Dr Manning said.

“Providing the appropriate diet to a mob of dry cows and weaned calves, rather than cows with calves at foot, can significantly reduce feeding costs.

“Cows making milk need up to 100 litres of water a day and those not feeding a calf require less.

“And although calves will drink more once weaned, the savings come from reducing the cow’s requirements.

“Weaning early also allows the farmer to complete a stocktake and sell or cull non-productive or aged animals.”

In most cases, the general guide is that calves should be weaned at around 120 kilograms, as they will be easier to feed.

The younger the weaning age of the calf, the higher its energy and protein requirements are.

Most farmers recognise that setting their calves up to succeed is very important, so exposing them to post-weaning supplements while they are still on the cow is recommended.

Dr Manning said post-weaning supplements should be introduced to calves slowly via creep-feeding and vaccinating two weeks before weaning to protect against clostridial diseases.

“Avoid combining stressful procedures like castration and dehorning with early weaning,” she said. “Weaners can be difficult to manage at times, so we recommend getting their nutrition and supervision spot-on to allow the calves to thrive.”