Abstract

The process of weaning calves is a common practice for beef cattle producers. However, the weaning process can be one of the most stressful times for beef calves. Traditional weaning of beef calves includes abruptly separating calves from their dams. Following weaning, calves are often transported, processed, and introduced to a new pen with weaned calves from other sources. Due to these compounded stressors, calves often exhibit decreased feed intake, increased vocalization and pacing, and immunosuppression, leaving calves susceptible to post-weaning disease. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the leading causes of economic loss in the U.S. beef industry, and efforts to minimize incidence are crucial to improve profitability and performance. Due to increasing regulations regarding antibiotic usage in livestock animals, development of management strategies for the cow-calf sector, including creep feeding, timing of vaccinations, and weaning strategies to minimize disease incidence, is warranted.

How to Cite:

Sayre, K., Lippolis, K. & Clark, C., (2019) “Effects of Combining Nose Flap Weaning with Short-Term Creep Feeding of Beef Calves on Cow and Calf Performance”, Iowa State University Research and Demonstration Farms Progress Reports 2018(1).