CATTLE RAISERS COMMUNITY


INDUSTRY ALLIED


Three Reasons to Select Preconditioned Calves This Season


Decreased costs during growing and increased profi t potential at market can help make selecting preconditioned calves a valuable choice for feeders.


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ETTING THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK AT THE SALE BARN is a common goal when buying feeder calves, but


how do you know if you are getting the most value for your money? Are you buying calves at a low cost, but paying for that investment in performance later on? Preconditioned calves come at a premium, but the value-added performance they provide is worth the cost. “A successful preconditioning program results in


calves that have undergone a sound vaccination pro- gram, are healthy, bunk and water tank broke and are ready to perform at the next stage of production,” says Chris Forcherio, Ph.D. and beef research manager at the Purina Animal Nutrition Center. “These programs provide value-added calves that are ready to perform in the feedlot.” Here are three reasons you should select precon-


ditioned calves: 24 The Cattleman September 2016


1. Make the best of a stressful situation The weaning process can cause high levels of stress


in young calves. A new environment, transportation, new feed and water sources, and weather issues can all contribute to increased levels of stress. “Preconditioned calves typically handle post-wean-


ing stress events better than non-preconditioned calves,” Forcherio says. “They can quickly overcome new en- vironments and stressful events and focus on eating and drinking.” Transportation stress and being removed from feed


and water can cause unwanted weight loss when tran- sitioning to the feedlot. Preconditioned calves are bet- ter equipped for these stressful situations and may see less shrink than non-preconditioned calves. Some studies have shown that non-preconditioned calves shrink between 10 and 15 percent of their body


thecattlemanmagazine.com


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