Calf wean thread...It’s dry in west which means some bunches of bawlers R coming 30-45 days early. This is my wean program. On arrival: 1) loose prairie hay in bunk w/ distillers sprinkled across. No free choice hay. Teach them from day one only place they eat is in bunk...cont

Calves arrived at 5 pm. Put calves in pen & gently walk perimeter to encourage to bunk for 2-3 minutes w/ gentle pressure/release. Once they all smell feed leave alone for night #1. Hopefully bunk is clean in morning if not will clean out and repeat hay sprinkled w/distillers.

On day 2 will put hay with distillers sprinkled on top in both morning and afternoon. At both feedings will continue to encourage participation with gentle pressure/release. Should have at minimum 85-90% participation at each feeding.

By day three will put light ration (rolled corn, liquid protein, ground hay, distillers) in bunk and sprinkle some loose long stem hay over the top of feed. Eventually translation to ration only by day 4-5 or when calves tell you they are ready.

I believe it is important to build intake early in first 30-45 days. Keep them hungry enough that there is full participation at each feeding but not too hungry to risk acidosis. The key to a healthy calf is a healthy gut. 80% of their immunity is in their gut.

Should have 100% participation at each feeding by day 3. Keep close eye at each feeding if they don’t eat they are probably telling you something. I treat all sick calves with draxxin and dex. Two weeks of light ration and then begin step up gradually introducing fermented feed.

Also, for bawlers I prefer a double sided pen all the way around. Preferably guardrail. This should eliminate breakouts. Fenceline pens are fine too I have just had them climb through bunkline before.

This set of calves I’ve fed for several years. They weigh 575# and will have a targeted out date of mid-May at 1400#. If you have any questions about implant, vaccine, grids, treatments, feed, etc. give me a shout