Capitalize on Strong Calf Markets with Quality Weaning Nutrition
The beef industry is beaming with optimism across the country as cattle markets continue climbing, creating a prime opportunity to capture value. USDA projects cattle prices to rise into 2024 as fed cattle supplies remain tight.[1]
During strong markets, calves are sometimes taken straight off the cows and “weaned on the truck” to be marketed as soon as possible. But you’re likely leaving money on the table by not giving those calves a healthy start with weaning fueled by quality nutrition.
“Now's a good time to utilize a thorough weaning program because you can add a lot of value to your calves,” says Ron Scott, Ph.D., director of beef technical innovation with Purina Animal Nutrition.
Buyers are willing to pay a premium for calves that have been preconditioned. Data from Superior Livestock Auction sales in 2022 show a $8.64/cwt to $18.67/cwt premium for calves that were weaned for at least 45 days.[2]
A vital way to ensure success during weaning is to provide high-quality nutrition.
Reduced stress
Weaning can be a stressful time for calves. During this time, calves need a balanced nutrition program to help their immune system keep up.
“If calves don’t get some feed into them, their body will get behind on fighting stress and health challenges can occur,” Scott says.
To help address the challenges of supporting a healthy immune system while reducing stress at weaning, Purina Animal Nutrition researched, developed and launched a proprietary additive known as RX3® Immune Support Technology in 2019. RX3® Immune Support Technology is a unique, non-medicated feed additive found exclusively in Purina® starter feeds.[3] The feed additive contains a powerful combination of very specific prebiotics, probiotics and plant extracts that help address common, costly calf health challenges head-on.
Optimized performance
Feeding high-quality nutrition during weaning can also optimize calf performance.
“It goes above and beyond just providing a balanced diet for protein, energy and roughage,” Scott says. “There are also vitamins and minerals necessary to deal with stress to help keep calves performing. And with RX3® Immune Support Technology, you’re getting even more.”
The addition of RX3® Immune Support Technology in starter feeds through multiple third-party research studies resulted in calves that:[4],[5]
- Gained more weight on an average daily gain basis
- Had less variation in average daily gain compared to control calves
- Had improved feed-to-gain ratio, resulting in better utilization of feedstuffs
“Calves ate more feed and gained more weight than you would expect, so we have this improvement in feed conversion. That's really important,” Scott says.
“A combination of more time at the bunk equals less stress and greater feed intake. Because of that combination, the calves have gained weight more efficiently,” Scott adds.
Immunity with the 3 Rs
Priming calves’ immune systems is key to ensuring they have optimized health during and after weaning.
RX3® Immune Support Technology gets its name from its groundbreaking ability to help calves’ immune system:
- Recognize sooner
- Respond more appropriately
- Return to optimal health more quickly
“When the immune system is primed, the body can understand when a health challenge is occurring,” Scott says. “You want calves to be able to respond quickly so they can fight off disease.”
The combination of healthy calves with sound nutrition and management allows calves to express their full genetic potential. Capitalize on the strong cattle market by giving your calves the best start possible.
Visit purinamills.com or contact your local Purina® dealer to learn how starter feeds can help optimize your calf weaning program.
