Research Summary - 3
Management practices of pre-weaned beef-on-dairy calves on commercial calf ranches
| Date/Time: |
9/13/2025
08:30
|
| Author: |
Rebecca A Bigelow |
| Clinic: |
Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University |
| City, State, ZIP: |
Manhattan, KS 66503 |
R.A. Bigelow, MS
1
;
P.A. Lancaster, PhD
1
;
B.J. White, DVM, MS
1
;
R.G. Amachawadi, BVSc, MS, PhD
1
;
T.R. Barnhardt, DVM, MS
2
;
M.E. Theurer, DVM, PhD
3
;
1Beef Cattle Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, KS, Manhattan 66506
2Heritage Vet Partners, Johnson, KS 67855
3Veterinary Research and Consulting Services, Hays, KS 67601
Introduction:
Breeding practices at dairies have shifted to produce more beef-on-dairy calves that are sent off-site to calf ranches for raising. Multiple surveys have reported the management of replacement dairy heifers, but little or no information is available about beef-on-dairy calves. The objective of this survey was to describe management practices of beef-on-dairy calves in commercial calf ranches.
Materials and methods:
A total of 15 calf ranches were surveyed in 3 regions: the high plains (n = 7), midwest (n = 6), and west (n = 2). Surveys were conducted in-person or via video call between November 2023 and June 2024. Frequencies of participants’ answers were calculated as a percentage of operations for each question to describe the management practices used.
Results:
Operation capacity was categorized as less than 1,000, between 1,000 and 50,000, and greater than 50,000 calves. All operations received calves less than 4 days of age. Pre-weaning housing consisted of hutches (plastic or wooden), individual pens, or group pens. All operations fed milk twice per day upon arrival, however the amount of milk fed varied between 2 (60%) and 3 (40%) quarts among operations. Approximately, 87% of operations gradually weaned calves off milk. Every operation offered calf starter upon arrival, but formulation of starter diets differed among ranches. Weaning age ranged between 42 and 72 days with 53% of operations weaning calves at 60 days or greater. All ranches treated respiratory disease with an antimicrobial, and 93% treated digestive disease with electrolytes.
Significance:
These results provide important information regarding the management of beef-on-dairy calves at commercial calf ranches.
