h side. Train cattle to respect electric fencing prior to weaning to facilitate the weaning process. Fenceline weaning also allows high-quality pastures to be used as weaning facilities in place of dusty drylots. Allow calves to creep-graze into these high-quality pastures prior to weaning to give calves time to become familiar with their surroundings prior to weaning, at which point the creep-gate can simply be closed. Properly weaned calves are “bawled out” and readily consuming feed and water well before the preconditioning period ends.
When cows or calves are not provided adequate nutrients to meet their needs from high quality feed or forage they experience a nutritional stress. Calves, young cows, older cows, pregnant cows, and lactating cows all have increased requirements. Forage alone may not be enough to meet increased requirements. In addition, stressed calves, following weaning, eat less or not at all, therefore it is important to provide a more concentrated source of energy and protein for these calves, as well as a good quality source of hay. A good mineral program is important for all stages of production. Minerals and vitamins are vital for numerous functions, such as the immune system, reproductive performance, and growth.
Calves also experience a multitude of stressors from the environment. Providing a clean, comfortable environment can help to minimize the effects of these stressors. Temperature fluctuations outside of an animal’s comfort zone cause added stress. During periods of high heat and humidity and little wind, take actions to minimize the effects of heat stress as cattle are processed. Small practices such as providing adequate water, avoiding handling cattle when the risk of heat stress is high, and if cattle must be handled work them before the Heat Index reaches 84, can make a big difference. Heat management tools, such as shades and sprinklers, should be considered if sufficient natural shade is not available. Extreme cold and wind conditions exist when the wind chill index is below 0ºF. These extreme conditions can have drastic adverse effects on cattle health and can dramatically increase cattle maintenance energy requirements.
If cattle are wet, the danger is even greater.
Another environmental factor which can negatively impact herd health is mud. Excessive muddy conditions creates disease/health risks by harboring disease-causing pathogens, and can lead to increased problems with foot rot, scours, or naval ill. Areas where cattle congregate such as around feeding troughs, water sources, or shade are particularly susceptible to trampling damage and mud accumulation. Lanes where cattle move through in groups are also areas that are likely to become muddy. Mud creates hazards for newborn calves to become chilled or trapped. In addition, mud has negative impacts on animal performance by impacting feeding behavior. Mud causes suction on hooves, making it more difficult to move. For example, just 4 to 8 inches of mud can cause a 4 to 8% lower feed intake and 14% lower ADG, while belly deep mud (12+ inches) can cause 30% lower feed intake.
Often management strategies are not included in a herd health program. Many producers consider only vaccines, dewormers, or treatment strategies when developing a plan, but proper management practices can save money through reducing treatment costs, and may ultimately lead to increased profits through increased animal performance.
Source: Dr. Brandi Bourg – Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Mississippi State University