Heifer Management, Vaccination Timing for Calves, Hidden Cost of Transportation: Shrink
Aug 25, 2023
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BCI Cattle Chat discusses heifer management, vaccination timing for calves, and the hidden cost of transportation. They explore separating cattle based on forage types and nutritional needs and emphasize the importance of body score and weight. The significance of pre-weaning vaccinations for calves is highlighted, along with the understanding of shrink in cattle management.
Managing young heifers requires separating them based on different nutritional needs and monitoring their growth progress.
The decision to administer pre-weaning vaccinations for calves depends on factors such as timing of market sale and minimizing the immunologic valley to reduce disease risk.
Deep dives
Managing Young Heifers at the End of Grazing Season
Managing young heifers, both yearling heifers and first calf heifers, towards the end of the grazing season is crucial. While green growing grass can provide an appropriate diet for almost any class of cattle, dormant forage, such as cornstalk or hay, requires separating animals based on their different nutritional needs. First calf heifers, who are pregnant with their second calf, can typically continue to be managed with the cow herd during this time. Their slow growth rate can be sustained with protein and energy supplements. However, yearling heifers, pregnant with their first calf, need to be separated and given supplemental feed with additional energy to support their faster growth rate. Weighing the heifers and monitoring their growth progress is important for making informed management decisions.
Pre-Weaning Vaccinations for Calves
The decision to administer pre-weaning vaccinations for calves depends on various factors, such as the timing of market sale and the potential risks of disease exposure. Pre-weaning vaccination programs have been associated with premiums in feeder calf prices, but the extent of the impact may vary. For calves that will be sold immediately after weaning, introducing a couple of doses of vaccine before weaning may be beneficial for marketing purposes. However, if the plan is to keep calves on the farm for a longer period, starting the vaccination program at weaning and having a second dose later might be more suitable. The aim is to minimize the immunologic valley, where calves are at increased risk of disease due to declining maternal antibodies.
Managing Shrink in Cattle Transportation
Shrink, the weight loss in cattle between gathering or weaning and the time of sale, is an important consideration in managing transportation and marketing decisions. Minimizing shrink involves optimizing handling practices, reducing stress, and ensuring a well-managed nutrition and water regimen. Stress can lead to increased urination and defecation, resulting in weight loss. Good facilities and proper handling techniques are crucial for preventing excessive shrink. Additionally, factors like feed and water changes can affect shrink. Carefully evaluating the potential trade-offs between higher prices per hundred weight and the costs associated with longer transportation distances is necessary to make informed decisions about cattle shipping.
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3:00 Heifer Management
10:10 Vaccination Timing for Calves
16:00 Hidden Cost of Transportation: Shrink
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