Early weaning can significantly reduce the nutrient demands, and consequently nutrient intake, of the beef cow. The objective underlying early weaning in a drought year is to capitalize on the reduction in forage intake, stretch forage supplies. and help maintain body condition. In mature cows, Oklahoma research suggests that intake could be reduced by as much as 1% of the cow's body weight after early weaning. Additional Oklahoma research found a 37% improvement in return to conception in first-calf heifers whose calves were weaned at 6 to 8 weeks versus 7 months. Furthermore, researchers in Nevada found that at the normal weaning time (early September), 77% of heifers whose calves were removed at 150 days had body condition scores of 4+ or higher compared to 29% of the heifers whose calves were weaned at 205 days. This advantage in body condition was maintained through the end of November even though the heifers were grazing alfalfa aftermath.

So the big question is...how early is too early? Calves under 6 weeks should not be weaned unless absolutely necessary. At that age calves would not likely have a functional rumen, and thus are dependant on milk to supply the majority of their nutrient needs. Artificially replacing those nutrients can be extremely costly, labor intensive, and potentially detrimental to the life of the calf. Calves that are between 6 weeks and 3 months can be weaned, but should be monitored closely to ensure they consume at least 3% of their body weight. Generally, diets for these calves should be at least 14% protein and be extremely palatable. The calves should be growing at a rate similar to what would be expected if they were still nursing. Calves between 3 and 6 months should receive diets containing 12% to 14% protein and also be highly palatable. Those calves that are over 6 months of age can be weaned without special management practices. In any case, calves should be started on feed approximately 3 weeks prior to weaning to ensure they will eat.

Producers should carefully evaluate the economics of early weaning. Once the calves are weaned, they are generally placed in a drylot where they will be paying for feed and yardage. Also, most producers sell calves in the fall or early spring. In many cases, early weaned calves a bit lighter than their normally weaned counterparts. Three key questions producers need to ask are 1) where will the calves go once they are weaned and how much will it cost to keep them there, 2) how much revenue will I give up (if any) when I market the calves, 3) if I leave the calves on the cows, how much will it cost to regain lost body condition. Producers may want to consider is creep feeding in combination with early weaning. Especially under drought conditions, creep feeding can help ensure heavier calves in the fall. Feed cost and calf prices should be carefully factored into the equation when making any management decision related to early weaning or creep feeding.

Early weaning is a management strategy producers should definitely consider when facing drought conditions. However, careful evaluation of the management and economic ramifications of early weaning will be critical to making a sound decision. Regardless of whether or not producers elect to implement an early weaning program, minimizing over-utilization of native rangelands should be a major driving force in making management decisions during drought. Good range management will help reduce or prevent negative production and ecological outcomes.