Weaned calves are susceptible to an array of health issues, most commonly respiratory- and digestive-focused, due to stress and lowered immunity. A majority of producers are aware of common health problems weaned calves face, but knowing the symptoms to watch for could help decrease treatment expenses or even fatalities.
The Dual Threats: BRD and Coccidiosis
Eric Bailey, University of Missouri associate professor and state beef nutrition specialist, says bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the No. 1 health challenge for weaned calves.
“Coccidiosis is probably second,” Bailey adds. “BRD has a ton of names and pathogens implicated in it. Some might know it as shipping fever.”
He notes that if you’re making a significant diet change, even something like rumen acidosis could be a challenge if not monitored.
Read the Cattle: Spotting Illness Early
While it would be simpler if certain symptoms corresponded to certain health issues, Bailey says there is a broad set of behavioral and health signs to be aware of that could stem from a variety of diseases and infections.
“Spotting them early takes a keen eye,” Bailey says. “There are a bunch of potential symptoms that folks look for.”
Some symptoms include:
- Standing off by themselves
- Not coming to feed
- Milky-colored snot
- Hunched over appearance
- Anorexia
- At least one droopy ear
- Rectal temperature of at least 103.5 degrees Fahrenheit
- Lack of appetite
- Accelerated respiration or belabored breathing
- Loose stool
Bailey says solid animal husbandry and knowing what sick cattle look like is super important to catching health issues quickly.
“I’d check them at least twice a day if I was going to wean at home before shipping,” he continues.
The 45-Day Golden Rule for Weaning
Patrick Wall, Iowa State University beef field specialist, says calves have the best health outcomes if producers don’t haul or change their environment for at least 45 days post-weaning.
“Preconditioning programs often recommend 45-60 days for a reason,” he says.
The biggest recommendation Bailey has for anyone weaning calves is to spread stressful events over time.
“That is something I am super passionate about,” he says. “Weaning, castration, vaccination, transport, acclimation to a new environment, all of these things are stressors to calves. When they are spread out, calves have a much greater chance of mounting an immune response.”
Bailey suggests limiting exposure to dusty environments and limiting lots of physical exertion such as cattle pacing the pens or getting pushed hard while gathering. He also says low-quality feed such as only free-choice grass hay and no additional feed supplements can impact cattle health and weaning on the trailer on the way to the sale barn. These mistakes are typically preventable.
Optimize Pen Layouts and Nutrition
When evaluating nutrition for weaned calves, Bailey says if the calves are well cared for before weaning, there should not need to be anything special done to the diet.
“I tend to promote getting more energy into the calves by feeding higher energy feed ingredients, supplements or rations, because much of the value in preconditioning a calf before sale is gaining weight,” Bailey explains.
Producers must ensure the water being offered is fresh and high quality, Wall adds. Feed intake often depends on the creep feeding program, or lack thereof.
“Obviously, calves rolling on creep feed will transition to a weaning diet quicker,” Wall continues. “Calves should be ramped up slowly on feed to avoid acidosis. Adequate bunk space for all calves is important as well.”
Bailey suggests upgrading the weaning pen by putting temporary bunks perpendicular to the fenceline feed bunk. It breaks the flow of movement and if that bunk is filled with hay, it can help get them eating faster.
Monitoring Intake: The Rule of 3
Food and water intakes are also important and an easy way to notice behaviors indicating illness. Often, a calf beginning to show symptoms of a disease or infection will stop eating and drinking.
“There is a rule of thumb used by outdoorsmen that I like a lot — the rule of three. A person can go three minutes without air, three days without water and three weeks without food,” Bailey explains. “Cattle that don’t drink for three days are going to be in trouble. I don’t want them to go three days without water or three weeks without feed, but any calf that doesn’t drink for three days is probably sick or going to get sick and a calf that doesn’t eat for a week is definitely going to get sick.”
Building a Veterinary Partnership
Bailey says having a solid veterinarian-client relationship established prior to weaning is necessary for when a producer does not feel comfortable with managing disease or needs assistance diagnosing and treating a health issue.
“Take care of them as if you never plan to sell them,” Wall says. “Keep good records and use them to decide which replacements to retain. Share health records with potential buyers; repeat customers could be the result.”
Your Next Reads:
- Cutting Stress, Cutting Sickness: Weaning Lessons from Hart Farms
- Do the Common Things Uncommonly Well: Weaning Strategies That Work
- The Biggest Weaning Mistake? Having No Plan at All
This article is part of Drovers’ Weaning Strategies and Preparation Week. Weaning is a high-stakes milestone when herd health, nutrition and marketing strategies must align perfectly. Throughout the week, the Drovers team will share expert-backed tips to minimize stress on your calves — and your bottom line. Bookmark our weaning resource hub to stay updated.
