Veterinarians recommend a series of strategies to help farmers manage the weaning process for calves, according to Dr. Erika Nagorske of Southwest Veterinary Services. The advice is aimed at reducing stress on animals and improving their health during this critical phase.
Dr. Nagorske suggests that vaccinations should be administered well before weaning begins, ideally three or four weeks in advance. “It takes 10-14 days for a calf’s immune system to sufficiently respond to a vaccine, so immunizations should ideally occur three or four weeks ahead of weaning. Vaccinating calves at the time of weaning is too late, as it doesn’t allow sufficient time for the vaccine to work before introducing calves to increased exposure risk,” she said.
Farmers are also advised to gradually introduce new feed sources prior to weaning. Calves accustomed only to milk and grass require time for digestive adjustments and rumen development when transitioning to other feeds. The introduction of creep feed and consideration of related costs are also recommended.
Ensuring that calves have access to water and understand how to use new water sources is another key step. Dr. Nagorske noted, “Making sure water isn’t just available but that the calves understand how to access it is important to ensure adequate hydration.”
Producers typically choose from three main weaning strategies: abrupt weaning (sudden separation), fenceline weaning (separation with fence-line contact), or two-stage weaning (using nose rings while allowing continued cow-calf contact). Regardless of method, minimizing additional stressors such as limited food or water access remains important.
After separation from cows, Dr. Nagorske recommends consulting with a veterinarian about possible booster vaccinations and ensuring ongoing access to food and water. Attention should be paid not only to availability but also bunk height, tank placement, and providing enough space—at least 40 square feet per calf—for lying down.
“Consistently ask yourself what you can do to further reduce calf stress post-weaning, therefore improving health and efficiency as they go into the next step of the production phase,” Dr. Nagorske said.
Farmer’s Business Network offers animal health products including vaccines, antibiotics, parasiticides, insecticides, implants, reproductive products, anti-inflammatories and other treatments through its FBN Direct service.
Farmers Business Network was established in 2014 by Charles Baron and Amol Deshpande and has its headquarters in San Carlos, California.https://www.fbn.com/ Diego Casanello serves as chief executive officer.https://www.fbn.com/ The company provides an online marketplace for agricultural goods with transparent pricing delivered directly to farms.https://www.fbn.com/ Its platform allows growers anonymous exchange of insights and direct purchasing from suppliers.https://www.fbn.com/
The organization emphasizes that all information provided is intended for informational purposes only and advises consultation with local veterinarians regarding specific animal treatments.
