– Jerad Jaborek, Michigan State University Extension Beef Feedlot Systems Educator
Fenceline weaning is a great choice that allows calves to be maintained on high quality pasture directly across the fence from the dams.
Ask two or more beef cattle veterinarians about weaning beef calf management, also referred to as preconditioning, and you are bound to get different recommendations for protocols to follow. This does not mean one is right or wrong, it just means there are several options to accomplish the same goals. Recommendations may vary due to calf age, labor, nutrition, facilities, environment, pathogen risk, marketing plans, etc.
Regardless of the approach, the main goal should always be a low-stress weaning and preconditioning protocol that prepares calves for targeted growth and health through the next phases of production.
As you plan for weaning, the first step is to . . .
Continue reading Beef calf weaning management to prepare your calves for future success