Effects of Weaning Date and Retained Ownership on Cow and Calf Performance and Forage Disappearance in Spring Calving Beef Systems

Researchers in North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are working together to evaluate the effect of weaning calves 75 days earlier than normal and are following the calves through finishing. This report summarizes accomplishments so far. Briefly, weaning calves 75 days early (mid-August) has improved cow weight and condition score compared to cows whose calves were weaned normally (early-November). Native range forage disappearance has tended to be lower when calves were weaned early. After weaning, backgrounded early weaned steers grew faster and were more efficient. However, early weaned steers required 61 more days on feed to reach final harvest