Health problems when calves are weaned and kept on the ranch have been minimal. Stressful procedures like castration and dehorning should be performed well ahead of early weaning. If at all possible, early weaned calves should be managed on the ranch or managed with only a short haul for some period after weaning. Management of early weaned calves in commercial feedlots is risky and requires close coordination of the rancher, feedlot manager, nutritionist and veterinarian. Each must understand the program and all must cooperate.
Mistakes have long-term and often fatal consequences.
Wheat pasture offers the potential of high rates of gain for early weaned fall-born calves. Crabgrass may offer promise but has not been researched. While not a great rate of gain, it is economical and the calves probably would do very well on wheat in the fall. Literature Cited Lusby, K. S. and Donald R. Gill. Receiving and growing rations.