Weaning season is a time of great stress on calves. According to Zoetis Technical Services Veterinarian Phillip Kesterson, reducing that stress with a preconditioning program can go a long way toward improving their future health. “These young calves are just starting to develop or they’re continuing to develop their acquired immunity and maximizing this immunity at this time of increased stress greatly decreases the risk of illness and greatly improves their well-being and performance.” Kesterson suggests producers consider preconditioning calves for not just the health benefits, but the economic benefits, as well. “It helps every aspect of the downstream cattle enterprise. When we have less sickness, we have less labor required when the cattle move onto the feed yard, less sickness also results in cattle that eat better and perform better.” More information about preconditioning programs can be found at buildinghealthyherds.com.
