As we wrap up summer and prepare for the fall, there are many moving parts and pieces in the world of cattle producers. Much time is dedicated to ranch operations like pulling bulls, checking herd health, and putting up or moving in hay. Then factoring in those who are trying to squeeze in a last-second vacation, or get kids sent off to school, it seems like there are never enough hours in the day.

We power through this time with our eyes set on the fall. Fall is my favorite time of the year. It brings us cooler weather (hopefully) and football, plus it’s when we are weaning the spring-born calves, which sets the stage for a large portion of the cash flow for an operation.

Weaning can be a stressful situation (for the producers and the calves), so taking the time to come up with a game plan is beneficial to making this process as smooth as possible.

Cattle producers wean calves in many different ways. Three popular options:

Fence line

Fence line weaning is a great way to wean calves, if you have the pasture or pen to do it. This weaning concept is when you separate the cows and calves from one another through the opposite sides of a fence line. This gives them nose-to-nose contact and allows the calves to stay in a familiar environment. Studies on fence line weaning have shown decreased stress, with less fence-walking and bawling. The downside to fence line weaning is space. Extra pasture room or pen space can be a challenge to find. If you can fence line wean, spend the time to check your pens and ensure the fences are in good condition.  

Nose flap

This is a two-part method that uses a nose flap that prevents the calf from nursing but allows it to stay on the side of the dam throughout the weaning process. After the nose flap is in for around 10 to 14 days, the calf and dam are separated, and the nose flap is removed. Although this concept is generally considered less stressful (as the calf is with its dam through the weaning process), this method is more labor- and time-intensive, as calves will be handled to apply the nose flap and again when it needs to be removed. Additionally, there are extra costs associated with purchasing the nose flaps.

Immediate separation

Immediate separation is often thought of as the traditional method of weaning. This concept involves total separation of the cow and calf on the day of weaning. Calves are typically moved to a new environment such as a pasture or dry lot, or sometimes taken straight to market, often resulting in fence-walking and bawling as cows and calves search for one another. This behavior can last several days and causes a high amount of stress to calves and cows. Immediate separation can put dollars back into your bank account the fastest, but the stress and shrink that come with it can lower your profitability.

How Crystalyx^® can help

No matter which weaning scenario fits your program the best, a Crystalyx^® supplement can help with weaning success. In our Crystalyx portfolio, we have two great solutions that protect against the effects of stress: Crystalyx^® Brigade^® and Crystalyx^® Blueprint^® Battalion^®. These supplements provide electrolytes and elevated levels of vitamins and minerals, including Bioplex^® organic trace minerals, to help cattle overcome the stress of weaning. Blueprint Battalion also includes Bio-Mos^® 2 to support gut health and integrity, plus chromium, which is important in maintaining the health of stressed calves.

Putting out Crystalyx barrels to the cows and calves before weaning lets the calves get used to consuming a low-moisture block — and fall in love with its palatability. After weaning, place Crystalyx Brigade or Crystalyx Blueprint Battalion barrels around the perimeter of the pen, as this will allow the calves to find the familiar Crystalyx product quicker.

With high calf prices this year, making sure weaning goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible can help improve your operation’s profitability. Reach out to your local Crystalyx representative or dealer so we can get you products that will perform!