Calf weaning checklist

• Is a calf ready to be weaned?
• Use this handy checklist to find out.
• Factors that affect the overall success of weaning can be used to evaluate a specific program.
  

1. How long has she been eating starter grain?
   
   Has she been eating starter grain for at least 3 weeks?
   
   Start counting days on grain when she regularly cleans up a measurable amount daily. That’s roughly 1/2 cup.
   
   Assuming she has access to water, after a calf begins to eat grain she takes about three weeks of fermentation in her rumen to develop papillae. They are tiny finger-like growths on the inside of the rumen wall. They are essential for absorbing nutrients from rumen fermentation.
   
2. How much starter grain is she eating?
   
   Is she eating 2 to 2 1/2 quarts (that’s about the same as pounds) daily?
   
   If a 150-pound calf eats this much starter grain daily she can meet her maintenance needs and grow 1 pound a day in 50° weather. Bigger calves need more for maintenance. Higher growth goals require more. Colder weather conditions require more.
   
3. How regularly is she eating grain?
   
   Is she eating at least a minimum of 2 quarts daily? That is
   different than an average of 2 quarts that may vary from
   less than a quart one day to 3 quarts two days later.
   
   One characteristic of rumen maturity is regular feed intake. Irregular intake is associated with acidotic rumen conditions and undesirable digestion. Calves with greater rumen maturity tend to even out their grain intake (assuming they have free-choice access to starter grain and
   water).
   
   4. Is the calf generally healthy and growing?
   
   No matter how it is done, weaning is stressful for a calf. Even if calves continue to grow at weaning, the rate of growth falls off for about 5 to 7 days after weaning.
   
   If a calf’s immune system is in any way depressed (scours, respiratory illness, navel infection, dehorning, change in housing, exceptionally hot or cold weather, poor bedding), it’s good management to delay weaning until conditions change.

RATE YOURSELF	YES	NO
1.Nearly all my calves have been eating grain for at least three weeks before I begin weaning them.
2. Nearly all my calves are eating 2 quarts of starter grain a day before I wean them.
3. Nearly all my calves are eating enough starter grain every day before I wean them.
4. If a calf is stressed (depressed immune system) I wait until she has recovered before I wean her.