Tips for smooth weaning

The period around weaning is stressful for the calf. Some tips to ensure a smooth weaning process are listed below.

• The calf should always have access to fresh calf starter, clean water and roughage from the start of the rearing period to aid early rumen development.
• The calf needs to consume enough calf starter at weaning; 1.5kg of calf starter for three consecutive days is the minimum.
• Milk should be reduced gradually in the last week, either through volume per feeding and/or frequency of feeding (link for milk schedule)
• Stress should be avoided at weaning. Avoid:
  • Moving pens
  • Mixing groups
  • Dehorning
  • Changing ration, either concentrate or roughage

Leave at least one week between weaning and any other stressful event

• Weaning should be avoided when calves experience a respiratory illness or bacterial infection.
• Calves should be moved gradually from a pre to a post weaning ration after weaning
• Concentrate intake should be built up from 1.5kg at weaning to 2.5 – 3.0kg per day after weaning