“Early weaning” is weaning calves anytime earlier than “normal.” Calves are typically weaned when they are 6 to 8 months old; however, calves can be weaned as early as 6 weeks of age. Early weaning can reduce the forage needed by the cow herd when implemented in response to a forage shortage. The magnitude of the shortage and the extent of other management changes required dictate when calves should be weaned in order to balance forage supply and forage demand. When calves are weaned early to improve reproductive performance, they may be weaned just prior to the breeding season to impact reproduction in the breeding season that immediately follows. Also, they may be weaned 30 to 90 days earlier than normal in an attempt to reduce the postpartum interval during the breeding season that follows 6 to 8 months later by increasing the body condition prior to calving.

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