The age at which weaning takes place is case specific, and will depend on factors such as:
- severity and length of dry conditions leading up to the time of prospective early weaning
- time of year relative to when rain/storms would normally be expected
- climate outlook for the immediate and longer term
- condition of the cows
- condition of the calves
- amount of paddock feed available and current level of supplementary feeding
- availability and price of feed stuffs both current and future
- time before the next ‘dry’ or winter season when there will be no or little response in grass growth even if there is substantial rain.
Decisions and plans need to be made in a timely manner to avoid being caught by rapidly deteriorating conditions without the appropriate resources on-hand.
In extreme conditions, it is possible to successfully wean calves from 4–6 weeks of age without a milk replacer, provided appropriate management is applied. Calves 3–4 months of age are easier to feed and manage than younger calves.
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This article is part of a series regarding weaning calves early. Other articles in this series include:
- Why you would consider weaning early
- Benefits of early weaning
- Understanding the young calf
- How young calves can be weaned safely << you are here
- What to feed early weaners
- Feed mixes for early weaners
- Health considerations for the early weaned calf
- Managing the early weaned calf
