With much of NSW drought affected and experiencing deteriorating conditions, Local Land Services is reminding producers that early weaning of calves and lambs can be an effective strategy to manage stock nutrition and condition.
By weaning earlier in a tough season, farmers can reduce the nutritional requirements of cows and sheep by drying off lactation, helping to maintain condition for re-joining.
It is considered ‘early’ weaning when calves are between 3 and 6 months old and lambs are eight-to-ten weeks, with weaners supplementary fed to meet their requirements.
Local Land Services’ principal veterinarian Lyndell Stone said early weaning had many short- and long-term benefits for producers and overall herd health.
“Early weaning can significantly help with management and maintenance of the condition of cows and calves for drought-affected producers and those experiencing deteriorating conditions,” Dr Stone said.
“It allows producers to allocate supplementary rations more strategically, ensuring quality feed and pasture allocation and more targeted management of weaner condition.”
If producers are considering early weaning, it’s important to factor in:
- what are you planning to feed them – protein, energy and quality are important (roughage and hard rations)
- paddock or yard weaning
- reducing stress at time of weaning (i.e. don’t mark calves and wean at the same time)
- size and weight groupings of calves or lambs
- health – ensure vaccinations and drenching are conducted and manage incursions of pink eye and other diseases
- feeding cows with calves and sheep with lambs for up to two weeks prior to weaning to familiarise them with different feed sources.
Prior to early weaning, producers need to consider what feed they have available, both in the paddock and in storage, and what will provide the best outcomes for their farm business.
Producers can use the Feed Cost Calculator tool to calculate and compare protein, energy and other components for different mixes of livestock feeds.
For advice, speak with a NSW Government Local Land Services District Veterinarian via 1300 795 299, or visit the early weaning calves and weaning lambs webpages.
The NSW Government has expanded its Drought Ready and Resilient Fund (DRRF) for eligible primary producers, doubling the low interest loan cap to $500,000, enabling them to undertake larger, sustainability focused drought resilience projects while also covering operational costs such as feed and transport.
A new small Drought Relief Loan of up to $100,000 has also been established to help provide farmers with immediate, low cost finance to help manage the impacts of drought. With an upfront payment option, reduced documentation requirements, and no property as security on the loan requirement – farmers can get funds faster, easier and cheaper.
Media Release: NSW Local Land Services
