Date of Graduation
2005
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
Committee Chair
Robert A. Dailey
Abstract
Low grain prices and recurrent periods of drought have elicited interest in early weaning. Calves can efficiently utilize feed for weight gain when it is fed directly, rather than through their dams. This study evaluated calf response in three weaning systems (experiment 1) and profiles of body energy reserves in early-weaned beef cows (experiment 2). Treatment x year, and calf sex x year interaction (P < 0.05) were observed for calf weight gain. These interactions underscored the need for constant readjustments in management systems that incorporate early weaning in their programs. In experiment 2, body weight and condition score of cows were affected marginally (P = 0.06) by early weaning, whereas ribfat and rumpfat differed (P < 0.05) between earlyweaned and control cows. These findings indicated that subjective methods (body weight and condition score) should be used in combination with more objective measurements (ribfat and/or rumpfat) for accurate evaluation of energy status of beef cows. Cows of various ages responded differently to early weaning. Three to five-year-old cows exhibited greater response to early weaning as opposed to 2-year-olds and cows > 5 years of age, indicating that profit potential of the cow-calf operation can be improved by altered management of middle-aged cows.
Recommended Citation
Odhiambo, John F., "Management of the suckled post-partum beef cows: Pasture-based weaning system." (2005). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD). 10927.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/10927