Weigh calves at weaning to calculate rate of gain until sale date. Wean calves into a dry, dust-free lot with unlimited access to clean water. Add muscle, not fat. Higher fiber by-product feeds like soyhulls or corn gluten are excellent for starting calves. Avoid mature fescue hay.
Feed calves a normal feeding of hay and grain a few hours before they are moved to the auction.
If calves will be at the auction for over 12 hours, take about 4 pounds of hay per animal for them to eat in their pens. Calves not fed will be extremely hungry upon arrival to the feed yard and may be at greater risk of overeating. If calves' gains are substandard, look into improving genetics with AI or a new herd bull. D.V.M. The topic of dewormers on cattle can be very confusing. To make the subject somewhat clearer, let's review the facts.