Comparison of Manufactured Supplement to a Commodity Blend for Preconditioning Beef Calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of weaning 60d early and the choice of calf supplement on calf performance and economic return. Additionally, cow body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and economic outcome of weaning 60 d early was evaluated. Forty 2-yr old cows and calves were divided into 3 groups; early-weaned and supplemented with Southern States Jump Start feed (SoSt), early-weaned and supplemented with a blend of soybean hulls and corn gluten feed (Blend) or weaned at the normal date (Control). Duplicate pens of bahiagrassbermudgrass were used to house the weaned calves. Calf BW were collected on d 0, 48, and 60 for all calves, and d 5, 19 for the weaned calves. Supplemental feed offered was similar between SoSt and Blend by design. Day 0 to 60 (normal wean) average daily gain (ADG) was greater (P < 0.05) for SoSt (2.29 lb/d) than Blend or Control calves (mean = 1.77 lb/d). Final calf profit/loss was greater (P < 0.05) for Control compared with weaned calves. However, when a preconditioning premium is included for the weaned calves SoSt and Control calves had similar profit which were greater (P < 0.05) than Blend calves. Cow BCS at weaning was greater (P < 0.05) for weaned cows compared to Control cows. The difference in BCS resulted in greater (P < 0.05) calculated amount of feed required to improve cow BCS to 5. Even though costs were greater for weaned calves, cow-calf pair performance and profitability were improved through the use of a manufactured supplement that contained an antibiotic and ionophore when fed to calves weaned 60 d early. Introduction Early weaning of beef calves has been utilized to affect both calf performance and cow performance. Arthington and Kalmbacher (2003) reported increased calf ADG for early weaned-calves compared to normal-weaned calves in year 1, but contrasting results in year 2. In the same study, 3-yr old cow BW and BCS were increased in heifers that had calves earlyweaned compared to a normal weaning time frame. Likewise, calving interval decreased in early-weaned heifers compared to normal weaned heifers. The potential improvement in weaned calf performance and improvement in cow performance can be valuable management tools for beef cattle producers.