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Getting stocker calves off to a healthy start on good quality winter forage is a key ingredient for a successful winter grazing enterprise, said a Texas A&M University livestock specialist. "Growing good quality forage from planting to jointing and giving calves a healthy start after arrival is the best way to manage stocker cattle production risk," said Ted McCollum, a beef cattle specialist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. "Sickness can cost you up to $4 per hundredweight -- and possibly more -- on the final selling price of a stocker calf, so it's important to know their health history before they arrive. "Have the order buyer deliver your calves as soon as possible after they are gathered up. Minimize stress when they arrive. Unload them quietly and let them settle down and rest in a pen for 12 to 24 hours. During that time, they should have free access to grass hay, a high protein feed or weaning chow, and plenty of clean, fresh water." Administering vaccinations is the next step. "Check with your veterinarian if you're unsure which type of vaccines to use, and handle the vaccines carefully. Store them in a cool, dark container and label each syringe to avoid mixing medications among syringes," McCollum said. "Use only hot water, instead of disinfectants, to sterilize syringes before use." Try to work calves during the cool of the day after their "settling in" period, McCollum said. It's also a good idea to check each one's temperature with a rectal thermometer while they are in the chute. Calves that act "droopy" and have a temperature above 104 degrees are candidates for an antibiotic. Delaying castration and de-horning until after the calves have received their vaccinations and medications is another way to reduce stress and encourage them to get on feed, but this may not be a viable option for everyone. "Give them a high protein feed containing vitamins, minerals and a coccidiostat," he said. "Aside from promoting good health, a well-balanced feed will help enhance weight gain during the first 28 to 30 days. "Feeding a full-feed, milled ration for the entire receiving period usually isn't a good option for calves that will be out on wheat forage. Milled feeds are more expensive, and the initial gains achieved on it may not last through the grazing season." |
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