What is preconditioning in cattle?

By strict definition, preconditioning is a vaccination, nutritional, and management program designed to pre- pare young cattle to best withstand the stresses of adjustment when they leave their point of origin and enter the channels of trade.

What is the goal and purpose of preconditioning programs?

The goal of a preconditioning program is to increase the value of weaned calves. Preconditioning programs are imple mented around weaning time and are designed to enhance immune system function while minimizing stress.

How long to precondition calves?

45 days
A preconditioning program is a period of time, typically a minimum of 45 days, in which a cow-calf producer will work to build the health status of the weaned calf prior to sale. Calves are also “bunk broke” during this time and acclimated to a dry feed diet.

When to wean calves from cow?

between 6-8 months
Beef calves are traditionally weaned between 6-8 months of age. However, cattle can be reared on forages and concentrates as early as 90 days of age. In fact, weaning at 90-120 days of age can be accomplished with proper nutritional management of the calf.

How do you precondition a cow?

Preconditioning typically consists of weaning calves at least 45 days before a sale, training calves to eat feed from a bunk and drink from a water trough, and following an appropriate vaccination program.

What is in a 7 way vaccine for cattle?

CLOSTRIDIUM CHAUVOEI-SEPTICUM-NOVYI-SORDELLII-PERFRINGENS TYPES C AND D-MANNHEIMIA HAEMOLYTICA BACTERIN-TOXOID. One Shot Ultra® 7 is effective for vaccination of healthy cattle against disease caused by Clostridium chauvoei, Cl. septicum, Cl.

What shots to give calves at weaning?

Both generally recommend calves be weaned for at least 45 days before sale. Both recommend that calves be vaccinated with IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, 7-way clostridial vaccine, Mannheimia haemolytica and Haemophilus somnus.

What does bunk broke mean?

Bunk Broke- an animal that is “bunk broke” knows how to eat out of a feed bunk, and realizes that his feed is there. (This is as opposed to eating grass or some other feed directly off of the ground—Yes, cattle truly need to be ‘taught’ to eat out of a feedbunk and to drink out of a water tank).

When should I introduce calf pellets?

Third week: Between two to three weeks of age, introduce high quality roughage. This can be supplemented with concentrates preferably calf starter pellets.

What is the best age to wean a calf?

7 to 8 months old
Calves are ideally weaned when they are 7 to 8 months old. The right time to wean a calf depends on the condition of the cow and not the age of the calf. Calves should be weaned before the condition score of the cow falls below 2,5 if adequate winter feed is available and the cows maintain their condition.

What vaccines are required for cattle?

Vaccinations for Different Animals in the Herd

• 7-way clostridial (blackleg)
• IBR/BVD/PI3/BRSV.
• IBR = infectious bovine rhinotracheitis.
• BVD = bovine viral diarrhea.
• PI3 = parainfluenza3.
• BRSV = bovine respiratory syncytial virus.