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Weaning 
Management Checklist

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WEANER MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST

Management Fundamentals


Nutritional Management


Feed Test Weaning ration to be 11.5ME MJ/kg DM + 16%-18% CP

Fodder ( eg. Hay/Silage) Grain (eg. Lupins/Oats) Post-Weaning Pasture (high quality)
DM % = DM % = DM % =
Energy (MJ ME/kg DM) = Energy (MJ ME/kg DM) = Energy (MJ ME/kg DM) =
CP % = CP % = CP % =

Planning For Performance


Joining Period (3 cycles) Short joining periods reduce calving spread, improve weaner management
Post weaning pasture Prioritise weaners, low parasite risk, >10MJ ME/kg DM + >16% CP
Calf Marking Vaccination primer (Ultravac 5in1/7in1), castration, dehorning, pain relief
Weaning Infrastructure
  • ⇒ Weaner proof yards, minimal dust
  • ⇒ Space: <170kg 2.5m2/hd; >170kg = 4m2/hd
  • ⇒ Feed facilities (eg. hay rack, feeders, liquid feed drum roller)
  • ⇒ Water: 3cm/hd trough space, Salinity @ <5000ppm

Daily Schedule Checklist


Day ~4 weeks pre-weaning or earlier at calf-marking
  • ⇒ All primary vaccines administered (clostridial, BRD, BVD, pinkeye)
  • ⇒ Tagging, castration, dehorning completed
Day ~7 days before weaning
  • ⇒ Ensure required feed, supplements, vaccines & drench are on hand
  • ⇒ Set up weaning facilities
  • ⇒ Slash & scrape weaning yards to remove unwanted weeds & manure build-up
  • ⇒ Water yards in the week leading up to weaning to minimise dust
Day 1 (Weaning Day):
  • ⇒ Administer vaccinations
    Clostridial booster
    BRD booster or single BRD vaccination (if not done earlier)
  • ⇒ Drench weaners with effective drench
  • ⇒ Weigh all animals
  • ⇒ Batches—sort calves into weaning pens based on origin & weight
Day 2 to 9 (weaning routine):
  • ⇒ Handle calves daily using low stress techniques
  • ⇒ Ensure feed is readily available
  • ⇒ Monitor water quality, clean troughs if necessary
Day 10 (Final Day):
  • ⇒ Weigh on exit
  • ⇒ Move weaners to high quality pasture >10MJ ME/kg DM + >16% CP
  • ⇒ WEC monitor regularly

DISEASE IMPACT ON WEANER HEIFERS

DISEASE IMPACT SOLUTION FOR WEANERS
Clostridial Disease Rapid death is the primary sign of clostridial diseases. Even if clinical signs are recognised, treatment is usually not effective. Vaccinate all cattle with Ultravac®5in1 or Ultravac®7in1. Where local and seasonal conditions increase the risk of Enterotoxaemia (Pulpy Kidney), more frequent booster doses may be required.
Leptospirosis Losses from pregnancy testing to calving. Calf deaths. Abortions and still births. Risk of leptospiroris spreading from cattle to humans. Vaccinate all cattle with Ultravac®7in1 or Leptoshield from a young age to prevent them ever becoming infected and shedding Lepto organisms and to prevent infertility and abortion.
Pestivirus (BVDV) 40-60% of heifers have never been infected and are susceptible to future infection. Increased risk of abortions, still births, calf diseases and abortions Increased scours / coccidiosis and pneumonia in growing cattle.1-3 Vaccinate replacement heifers with two doses of Pestigard® prior to joining.
Parasites – Worms & Lice Poor worm control can reduce growth rates by at least 20%.4 Incorporate Dectomax® as part of a strategic drenching program. Dectomax® is available as an Injectable or Pour-On drench.
Trace Element Deficiency Trace Element Deficiency Supplement as required with Copper, Cobalt and Selenium to correct deficiency.
Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Reduced feed intake, reduced weight gain and potentially death within 24 hours if not treated Vaccinate with Bovi-Shield MH One (single dose) at or just before weaning.

FURTHER INFORMATION FOR NORTHERN AUSTRALIAN PRODUCERS ON IMPORTANT PRODUCTION LIMITING DISEASES

DISEASE IMPACT SOLUTION FOR HEIFERS
Vibriosos In newly infected herds conception rates can drop as low as 40%. Losses from pregnancy testing to marking. Too many late calves. Vibriosis can result in permanent infertility in some infected heifers.5 Vaccinate heifers and cows if necessary with Vibrovax® prior to joining to eradicate the disease from infected herds. Protect your maiden heifers (over 18 months of age). One shot of Vibrovax = 2 years Protection (this covers the main period of risk)
Botulism Botulism is a paralysing disease of cattle. It is a severe and fatal disease. Outbreaks have caused losses of up to 25% of the herd on some properties.6 Weaners can be given one shot of Longrange at first muster and then an annual booster every year.

Genomic Testing

Stud cattle and commercial herd with a superior genetic profile have a fundamental advantage over other cattle and will outperform their contemporaries over their lifetime. It is in their DNA. Weaning is an opportune time to take samples for genomic testing for the early identification of superior animals in your herd. There are a number of genomic tests available to support cattle including Angus HeiferSELECT and HD 50K for Angus, SireTRACE and HornPoll.

References

1. MLA Report B.NBP.0382, 2014.

2. Taylor LF, Black PF, Pitt DJ et al. Aust Vet J. 2006; 84:163-168.

3. Taylor L. The Australian Cattle Veterinarian 2010; 57:14-28.

4. Zoetis Repro Active Tech Note, Critical Mating Weights, 2014. Zoetis Data on File.

5. Hum S. NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) February 2007. Primefact, 451.

6. Fitzpatrick S. Agnote K29. Botulism Poisoning in Cattle in the Northern Territory, September 2006.

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