Post-weaning diseases and how to prepare
The magic we are looking for is the work we avoid.
Engle is a veterinarian with Four Star Veterinary Services LLC.
By Taylor Engle, DVM
In a traditional cow-calf operation the term weaning refers to the period of time after calves have been separated from their mothers. While we know this time period is especially stressful in traditional beef operations and can have a significant impact on health and performance, it can be even more exaggerated and/or intensified in a dairy beef situation. The more stressful weaning becomes, the more likely it is that calves will develop post weaning diseases such as Salmonella species, Mannheimia haemolytica, Histophilus somni, Pasteurella multocida, Mycoplasma bovis and other bacterial pathogens.
Understanding preventionA question that everyone has asked their veterinarian is “Well, how do I prevent this from happening”. The answer lies in the truth. The magic we are looking for, is the work we avoid. There are vaccination strategies put in place to help calves develop long term immunity, and working closely with your veterinarian will help determine what is best for your individual operation. However, these are not the only prevention strategies we have.
Understanding how to manage each group of cattle differently can have a big impact on how they handle weaning. Using low stress weaning methods can reduce the stress prior to weaning and will help them adjust quickly.
Processing (castrating/dehorning) should be performed before weaning so that calves are not healing during the weaning period. Work with your veterinarian to determine what time is best for your operation.
Avoid vaccination at and around the time of weaning
Minimize handling
Look for clinical signs of disease and behavioral cues to determine if calves are stressed. Work with your vet to push back weaning if calves are showing watery eyes, decreased feed intake, lethargy, or not grooming themselves.
Provide extra sources of water and feed after weaning to promote water intake and feed intake
Provide adequate stocking density to make sure calves have enough space
Monitor weather conditions and manage accordingly. Dairy beef calves are typically weaned at a younger age and are more susceptible to cold and heat stress
Understanding how stress impacts cattle health and how to intervene to decrease stressors prior to weaning, at weaning, and after weaning is fundamental in preventing post weaning disease.
