Effects of Calf Age at Weaning on Cow and Calf Performance and Feed Utilization in an Intensive Production System

Authors

Jason M. Warner, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Curtis J. Bittner, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Karla H. Jenkins Jenkins, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Rick J. Rasby, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Matt K. Luebbe, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Galen E. Erickson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2015

Citation

2015 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report, University of Nebraska—Lincoln Extension, MP101.

Comments

Copyright © 2015 University of Nebraska.

Abstract

The effects of calf weaning age on cow and calf performance, reproduction, and feed utilization were investigated in a two-year study. Early weaning increasedcow BW in January. Pregnancy rates were not impacted by calf age at weaning. Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar between normal-weaned cow-calf pairs and early-weaned cows and calves. Feed requirements and utilization were comparable between early- and normal-weaned pairs when fed high energy diets, implying weaning decisions should be made on the basis of management rather than feed efficiency.