Performance Effects on Weaned Calves using 3 Weaning Strategies and Nutritional Supplementation

The objective of this study was to compare nutritional and management strategies on performance of beef calves at weaning. Forty crossbred beef calves were assigned to receive either nutritional supplementation (Drench) 3 wks prior to weaning and again at weaning or nothing (Cntrl). In addition, calves were assigned 1 of 3 weaning treatments: 1) abrupt weaning with complete separation (Abrupt); 2) 4d fence line weaning with cows allowed to interact with calves through a fence for 4 d before removal (4Fence); and 3) 7 d fence line weaning with cows allowed to interact with calves through a fence for 7 d before removal (7Fence). Calves were blocked by sex and BW. Nutritional supplementation consisted of an oral drench (5cc/100 lbs. BW; Cellarator Turbo Drench; ADM Animal Nutrition; Quincy, IL). Calves were weighed at weaning, 7 d after, and 85 d after weaning. At weaning, average age of calves was 213 ± 19 d and average weight 224 ± 30 kg. Average final weight of calves was 279 ± 33 kg. Weight differences between weaning and 7 d after weaning and weaning and 85 d after weaning were analyzed using Proc Mixed with nutritional supplementation, sex, and weaning duration as fixed variables. Calves receiving Drench gained more (P < 0.05) 1 wk after weaning (7.9 vs. 3.7 kg, respectively). Weight gains 85 d after weaning were not different (P > 0.05) 7 d after weaning. Weight gain in calves assigned to 4Fence and 7Fence treatments were not different (P < 0.05) but gained more (P < 0.05) than Abrupt calves (8.5 vs. 7.6 vs. 1.2 kg, respectively). Weight gains 85 d after weaning were not different (P > 0.05) between weaning treatments. In conclusion, nutritional supplementation and fence-line weaning improved calf performance 1 wk after weaning but not after 3 mo.