K-State Research and Extension

A couple of questions have come up recently regarding early weaning: 1). How early can I wean a calf and 2.) What is the expected benefit of early-weaning? Early weaning is not a term that is well defined, but in general refers to weaning a calf at less than 200 days of age (conventional weaning 180-220 days of age). Calves raised in conventional extensive environments have a functional rumen at approximately 45 days of age and are capable of using dry feeds. However, various research suggests that 120-150 days of age is optimal for implementing an early program. In terms of what can be gained by early weaning. Early weaning is one of the easiest ways to manage cow nutrient demands and reduces the energy requirements of the cow by 25-30%. This effectively means that the nutrients consumed by the cow that were being used to sustain lactation may now be used to improve cow condition. A study designed to evaluate preconditioning duration conducted at K-State documented that cow body condition scores improved as calf age at weaning decreased. The cows on this study remained on native grass pastures following weaning and the observed increase in body condition score in this study occurred over a 60 day period. The results of this study suggest that early weaning calves may improve body condition of cows (up to 0.5 Body condition score) grazing native pastures late in the grazing season.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.