HOW TO RELIEVE WEANING STRESS
When calves are on pasture with their dams, life is good. Then, the stressors start. Weaning, shipping, commingling, processing, the list goes on. How you manage this period can make a big difference.
On the Angus at Work podcast, Ted Perry, director of beef technical solutions, sat down to discuss the stressors both cows and calves go through at weaning and the role nutrition plays in combating health challenges. Plus, he shares some strategies on how to improve performance well past weaning.
THREE FEED TIPS
Newly weaned calves may bawl and pace, leading to throat irritation and potential respiratory challenges. Get them eating quickly to help reduce both behaviors, along with stress and illness.
Prioritize Palatability
When calves search for feed, make sure there’s a palatable starter feed in the bunk to get them eating quickly and coming back.
Offer Immune Support
Select a feed with technology that helps prepare calves’ natural defenses, so they’re better equipped to fight off stress and respiratory challenges.
Keep Water Available
Feed intake is driven by water intake. Make sure you have enough water sources available so multiple calves can access it at once.
Feeding Weaning Calves? Start Them Strong
Starting weaned calves on feed can impact their future health. Getting calves eating from day one can equip a calf’s immune system to better handle weaning-time stress, improving its chance to stay healthy during weaning. Feeding weaned calves a palatable starter feed:- Drives them to start and continue eating
- Maintains energy and protein reserves
- Builds rumen microbe populations
- Maintains immune status for healthy calves
- Supports optimal performance
Click the arrow to learn more about feeding weaned calves Purina® starter products.
View All Purina® Starter Feeds
Purina® Precon® Complete Feed with RX3TM Immune Support T
- Pelleted complete calf feed
- Includes roughage, is highly palatable and nutrient dense
- Gets calves eating quickly to restore nutrients lost through the stress of weaning and shipping
- Designed for preconditioning cattle programs with freshly weaned calves or newly purchased calves
- Recommended for high-stress or high-risk calves
- Does not require additional forage
Feeding Weaning Calves? Start Them Strong
- A complete calf feed available in a coarse-textured and pelleted form
- Includes roughage with Intake Modifying Technology® to help achieve target intake levels
- High-energy feed that helps maximize feed efficiency
- Self-fed
- Doesn’t require additional forage
- Designed for preconditioning cattle programs with calves headed directly to the feedlot
RESEARCH-BACKED TECHNOLOGY
RX3® Immune Support Technology prepares the calf’s natural defenses to support overall calf health. This precise combination of prebiotics, probiotics and plant extracts is included in all Purina® Precon® and Purina® Accuration® Starter complete feeds and Purina® Stress Care® 5 supplement feeds.
CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO
Is your current herd nutrition program helping optimize their performance? Take our 90-day challenge and receive a coupon for $25 off five bags or $60 off four 225 lb. tubs of Purina® Wind and Rain® Mineral; or $20 off one Stress Tub 2.0.
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We know all too well the demanding hours and constant grind of the cattle business, because we’re in it with you. Many of our cattle experts manage their own herds, so they understand the challenges you face and stand behind advice they put into practice every day.
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“THERE'S NOTHING ELSE LIKE THIS.”
– Ted Perry, Director of Beef Technical Solutions
Backed by research and powered by three new ingredient technologies, Stress Tub 2.0 supports overall health and provides producers peace of mind.
JOIN TODAY“THERE'S NOTHING ELSE LIKE THIS.”
– Ted Perry, Director of Beef Technical Solutions
Backed by research and powered by three new ingredient technologies, Stress Tub 2.0 supports overall health and provides producers peace of mind.
THREE CALVING TIPS
It’s never too late to plan ahead. Preparing for calving and breeding now puts you in position to achieve your herd's reproductive goals.
Discuss Herd Health
If you don’t have a comprehensive herd health program, now is the time to talk with your veterinarian or animal health supplier to develop one.
Evaluate Mineral Programs
Minerals are important 60 to 90 days before calving, since they impact colostrum quality, calf trace mineral status and calf health.
Maintain BCS
Cows managed for optimal body condition at calving (6 BCS) have shown to rebreed with improved conception rates.
PROGRAMS THAT DELIVER
Help ensure your calves command more profit potential when it comes time to market. Many producers are seizing the moment to move their businesses forward with the help of our value-added programs.
Discover Our Mineral Program See if Purina® Plus is a Fit for YouRESOURCES YOU CAN RELY ON
Every operation is unique, and so are your needs. That’s why Purina offers more than just feed — we provide expertise and guidance to support every facet of your business.
CONNECT WITH US
Reach out to your Purina sales representative to learn how we can help take your operation to the next level.
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