1. 4-H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine  Texas AgriLife Extension Service College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science Texas A&M System http://aevm.tamu.edu Weaning

2. Objectives Define weaning Discuss the purpose for weaning Discuss the process of weaning Discuss the problems that can arise during weaning

3. Weaning - the separation of young animals from the dams (mothers)‏ Allow dams to prepare for next birthing and nursing season

4. Calves 6 to 8 months Stressful Predisposes illness BRD Bovine respiratory disease Black leg Clean well fenced traps Free choice of hay and clean water Pre-weaning vaccinations Go off feed Observe daily for sicknesses

5. BRD Coughing Wheezing Runny nose Anorectic Depressed Standoffish Financial loss important Precondition calves

6. Preconditioning <2 months of age Castrate Dehorn Identify (ear tag)‏ 2-3 months of age Vaccinate 1st 5-way Lepto, 1st 7-way Clostridia, IBR Growth implant Brand Worm and fly control Introduce creep feeders 4-5 months of age Vaccinate 2nd 5-way Lepto 2nd 7-way Clostridia Heifer brucellosis Worm and fly control 6-8 months of age Vaccinate Live 4-way IBR BVD BRSV PI3 Wean Replacement Market

7. Creep Feeding Free choice feed Easier of calves post weaning

8. Backgrounding Process of feeding calves post weaning # days 21 to 45 days 45 to 90 days Allows them to adjust Appealing to buyers They know how to eat dry feed out of a bunk They know what a waterer is and how to use it Their immune systems are "primed"

9. Once adjusted Turn out to pasture 14-16% protein feed at 1lb/day Gradually increase to 1% of weight/head/day over 5 to 7 days

10. Examples 50 weaned calves which average 400 lbs each Initial 50 head x 1# grain/head/day = 50# grain After 7 days 400# calves x .01 = 4# grain/hd/day 50 head x 4# grain/hd/day = 200# grain/day The amount of grain increases as calves increase in weight

11. Weaning Other Livestock Same general guidelines Stressful Foals 4 to 6 months Pigs 21 to 28 days 15 to 20lbs Lambs and kids 6 to 12 weeks