Thinking about early weaning…

• Save Feed & Energy: Lactating cows use 30–40% more energy than dry cows + weaned calves. Feeding separately is far more efficient.

• Protect Cow Condition: Wean before cows fall below fat score 2.5 to allow recovery before next calving.

• (Better Pregnancy Rates) We have luckily moved past this window this year, but in earlier dry seasons, removing lactation helps cows cycle sooner and therefore have a improved ability to conceive.

When to Wean?

• Wean calves over 120 kg (it can be done down to 80 kg but requires significant dedication to be successful).

• Calves <80kg can be weaned but require intensive care and carries higher risk.

Animal Health at/or pre-weaning

• Give the second clostridial vaccination (booster after marking).

• Consider vaccines for  pinkeye & respiratory disease — highly recommended after previous drought experiences.

• Vitamin deficiencies are common in prolonged dry spells. A Vitamin ADE injection can help - for most places this is not necessary yet this season

• Branding or other painful procedures should be done before weaning or after calves settle. Always use pain relief 🩹.

Feeding Early-Weaned Calves

            Energy & Diet Basics

• Provide either a commercial calf pellet or a processed grain mix (cereal grain base plus protein source) depending on your time availability / grain handling and processing facilities and

• Provide ad lib good quality hay 

• Aim for 12 MJ ME/kg DM energy density.

• Add minerals: 1% limestone + 0.5% salt 🧂.

 Protein Requirements by Calf Weight

Protein needs drop as calves grow. 

Calf Weight	Crude Protein Required
80–140 kg	16–18% CP
140–200 kg	14–16% CP
200 kg+	12% CP

These levels support rumen development, immunity, and steady growth.

          Pen Setup & Trough Space

• Keep groups to ≤100 calves of similar weight.

• Provide:

  • 3 cm water trough space

  • 40 cm feed space

  • 2.5 m² pen space

• Make sure troughs are low enough for small calves.

• Clean water troughs daily.

           Watch Out for Shy Feeders

Around 5% may refuse grain/pellets. 

Signs: sulking, hanging in corners, not eating.

Move them to a smaller, quiet pen with hay and minimal competition.

Common Problems to Monitor > Daily pen checks are essential for early-weaning success.

• Pink eye

• Respiratory disease / pneumonia

• Grain poisoning / acidosis

• Coccidiosis

• Salmonella

• Reduced feed intake in extremes

• Clean water issues

  
  

The Goal

Early weaning helps you:

• Improve cow condition (and fertility)

• Prevent welfare issues in tough seasons

• Reduce paddock damage

• Raise quiet, healthy calves with strong immunity and good rumen development

Read a great summary from Dr Jillian Kelly & Dr Scott Parry here.