Preconditioning calves sets the stage for successful weaning, helping young cattle transition smoothly into their next phase of production. This process focuses on health and nutrition to promote growth, reduce stress, and increase long-term resilience. Nutrition is key to preconditioning calves, as it provides the energy, protein, and vitamins needed for calves to thrive. Learn what to feed calves during the preconditioning period, how to manage their diet through the process of weaning, and how to establish their post-weaning nutrition plan.
Why Preconditioning Nutrition is Vital
Preconditioning occurs during the weeks leading up to weaning, during which calves are gradually introduced to solid feed while becoming less dependent on their mother’s milk. This nutrition program helps them endure the physical and emotional stress of weaning, bolsters their immune systems, and builds up their weight and resilience.
Proper nutrition in the preconditioning stage has several benefits:
● Reduces the risk of post-weaning illness
● Enhances weight gain and supports growth
● Conditions calves to adjust quickly to a new diet and routine
Preconditioning Nutrition: What to Feed Calves Before Weaning
High-Quality Forage
Forage, such as good-quality hay or pasture, forms the basis of the preconditioning diet. At this stage, high-fiber forage supports rumen development, helping calves efficiently digest solid feed. Make sure the forage offered is rich in essential nutrients and low in contaminants. Quality alfalfa or mixed grass hay is ideal, as it provides an array of minerals and vitamins crucial for growth.
Providing calves with access to forage several weeks before weaning allows them to become familiar with this food source. This makes the transition from milk to solid feed less abrupt and provides a stable foundation for their digestive health.
Protein-Rich Supplement Feed
Calves need ample protein to support muscle development and growth. The preconditioning diet should include a protein supplement in the form of calf starter feed or calf preconditioning feed, designed specifically for young cattle transitioning off milk. Look for a balanced starter feed with a protein content of 14-16%, which is ideal for calves during this phase.
Protein is especially important for calves to build up the strength to cope with the stress of weaning, supporting immune function, and promoting healthy weight gain. Avoid feeds with high starch content, as it can disrupt digestion. Instead, a balanced feed with moderate protein and fat will help calves maintain energy and encourage steady growth.
Vitamins and Minerals
To support immunity and prevent deficiencies, include a mineral supplement in preconditioning feed. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and trace minerals like zinc, copper, and selenium are all important for bone growth, immune response, and overall vitality. Calves also benefit from Vitamin A, D, and E, which are vital for eye health, skin health, and immune support.
Consider offering a loose mineral supplement or block that calves can access freely. This will allow them to self-regulate their mineral intake and ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need to handle the challenges of weaning.
Fresh Water
Hydration is often overlooked, but it’s essential in pre-conditioning calves. Always provide clean, fresh water to keep calves hydrated and to support their digestion. Dehydration can increase stress levels and reduce feed intake, so be sure that their water is readily accessible, especially during the warmer months.
Nutrition During the Weaning Process
When calves are finally weaned, they undergo stress from separation, dietary shifts, and new environments, which can lead to reduced feed intake and weight loss. To mitigate this, keep their diet familiar during weaning by providing the same forage, starter feed, and mineral supplements they had access to during the preconditioning period.
Tips for Managing Diet During Weaning:
● Avoid drastic feed changes: Keep their diet as consistent as possible to prevent digestive upset.
● Increase feed gradually: Offer additional feed in small amounts, observing how well calves are adjusting to their feed.
● Monitor water intake: Ensure calves are drinking enough water to prevent dehydration and support digestion.
Allow calves to adjust at their own pace and avoid pushing them too quickly to prevent digestive issues or feed refusal. Providing a calm, low-stress environment also encourages better feed intake.
Nutrition Post-Weaning: Supporting Growth and Long-Term Health
Once calves have fully adjusted to weaning, it’s time to transition their diet to support ongoing growth and development. Forage remains the backbone of their nutrition, so providing quality grass hay, alfalfa, or a mix of the two will ensure their fiber intake is adequate for rumen function.
Growth feed or protein supplements can enhance weight gain and muscle development. Look for balanced cattle feed that will support growth while avoiding digestive stress. Feed intake should be monitored to avoid overconsumption and ensure a balanced diet.
Vitamins and minerals still play a vital role post-weaning. Offer weaned calves loose minerals or a mineral block to ensure they continue to receive these vital nutrients. Also be sure that weaned calves continue to have access to fresh, clean water to maintain healthy hydration.
Feed Moore
At Thomas Moore Feed, we are cattle producers and feed formulators. Our calf preconditioning diet takes the guesswork out of ideal nutrition for pre and post-weaning. Find a dealer near you to start feeding your calves Moore, and set them up for success during their preconditioning period.