34 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN October 2025 A family owned and operated Commercial Feedlot located in the heart of Nebraska’s Corn Production. OUR ATTENTION TO DETAIL MAXIMIZES YOUR PROFIT POTENTIAL! DFI also offers: Risk Management • Partnership Feeding Multiple Marketing Options Retained Ownership • Feeder Financing Private Consulting Nutritionist Private Consulting Veterinarian Location Close to All Major Packers Permanent Shades in Pens Two Locations: Columbus & Palmer • 13,500 head capacity Mike Drinnin, Owner/Manager • miked@drinninfeedlots.com Office: (402) 564-7409 • sharib@drinninfeedlots.com drinninfeedlots.com Jarad Drinnin - Columbus Cell: (402) 910-6508 Sam Drinnin - Palmer Cell: (402) 910-0233 PEERS FROM WEANING TO CALVING FALL MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST LINDSAY WAECHTER-MEAD, DVM, MS | NEBRASKA EXTENSION LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS EDUCATOR AND DIRECTOR OF NEBRASKA BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE The fall run on the ranch is a busy, yet exciting time for producers. Weaning is in full swing with calves coming home from grass and onto the next stage in production. Weaning is also the most stressful time in a calf’s life, making it more susceptible to adverse health conditions. Stress can be minimized by providing the appropriate feed and health protocols, and ensuring the working facilities and pen conditions are properly maintained. The hormone cortisol is significantly increased in the blood during stressful events such as weaning. Research has shown that increased cortisol levels cause a negative effect on the immune system by decreasing the ability to respond to pathogens. This may lead to illness and decreased daily gain in the animal. High cortisol levels will also impact the immune response by lowering antibody titers after vaccination. Following is a low-stress fall checklist. Low-stress handling techniques are important in all cattle life stages but are especially vital in freshly weaned calves. Low-stress handling works best when cattle can see other cattle, distractions are minimized and obstacles such as shadows, chains or people are removed. High pitch sounds and loud, sudden noises may startle cattle. Keeping cattle as quiet as possible and ensuring that working facilities meet these needs will help decrease stress. Limiting the amount of time animals are handled and processed is another way to minimize stress associated with weaning day. Painful procedures such as dehorning and castration should be done as young as possible. If older animals require surgical procedures, pain management should be utilized under the direction of your veterinarian. Because high cortisol levels during weaning can decrease the immune response, preconditioning vaccinations are recommended four to six weeks prior to weaning. Research has indicated that preconditioning will reduce sickness and improve a calf’s immune response, which will help prepare the animal for the next stage in life. Nutrition is also vital for growth and proper immune function. Calves that are housed in a dry lot will need to learn to eat from a bunk. Adequate space of 1 to 1.5 feet per head will allow enough room for all calves to eat without competition. Pay attention to the space around the bunk and water sources and add fill dirt as needed to ensure all calves can reach feed and water comfortably. Additional water sources can be placed along the perimeter of the pen so calves will find it easier while walking the fence line. Pen surface management can have a significant impact on cattle health and performance. Dust becomes a problem in the fall when temperatures are high during the day and humidity is low, causing manure to dry quickly. The increased movement of freshly weaned calves compounds this issue, leading to high levels of CONTINUED ON PAGE 38
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