Capitalize on Calf Prices with a Strong Preconditioning Program

Sources Kathleen McGinty, Zoetis and Lori Maude, Bader Rutter

A successful preconditioning program will set calves up for optimal future health and performance while enabling producers to command full market value on their calves, said Phillip Kesterson, DVM, with Zoetis beef technical services and based in western Nebraska. Preconditioned calves are four times less likely to get sick in the feedyard, so it's the right thing to do from an animal stewardship perspective, too.1

"A strong preconditioning sets animals up for success in their next production stage," added Jeffrey Sarchet, DVM, Zoetis beef technical services. Sarchet works with cattle producers across sectors in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. He often sees firsthand how preconditioning programs pay off.

"Preconditioned calves are more equipped to handle stressful situations and will shrink approximately half as much as non-preconditioned calves," Sarchet said. "When we get paid by the pound, the extra pounds really pay."

And as calf prices continue to go up, preconditioning can add even more value.

"We're coming off a mild winter and a good forage year. Winter feed costs were down, and current calf prices are promising," Kesterson said. "Cow-calf producers can capitalize on this window of opportunity with a properly timed and well executed calf vaccination program."

Here are some of the veterinarians' top tips for ensuring preconditioning programs pay off:

1. Allow time for vaccinations to do their job. Administer vaccines between three and eight weeks prior to weaning to allow calves enough time to mount an effective immune response.

If calves are initially vaccinated at weaning, or only a week ahead of weaning, the time interval isn't adequate for a complete immune response. "Weaning is a stressful time for calves, and administering vaccines during that time is going to make it more difficult to achieve the level of immunity that we can achieve in a true pre-weaning preconditioning program," Kesterson said.

2. Select vaccines with proven efficacy against core diseases. During the pre-weaning stage of your calf's life, they're beginning to rely on their own immune system. Vaccinating against core diseases at this time can result in a better response and a greater boost to their immune system for the next, more stressful phases of their life.

"This is an area where it's important to consult your local veterinarian," Kesterson said. "He or she will bring a lot of regional wisdom and can help you develop a preconditioning strategy with the appropriate products, timing and dosage."

3. Ensure proper handling and storing of vaccines. One of the greatest threats to vaccine efficacy, and ultimately animal performance, is mishandling before the product is ever administered. "Far too often we use an old refrigerator that wasn't adequate for the house, and we dedicate that as a vaccine storage refrigerator," Kesterson said. One University of Arkansas study tested 191 on-farm refrigerators, and found 76% were unacceptable for storing pharmaceuticals, because temperatures were not consistently maintained between 35° F and 45° F.2

4. Identify ways to add value, protect calf well-being. "Vaccination timing can easily coincide with internal parasite control or implanting for greater labor efficiencies," Kesterson said. Administering a dewormer is a great way to protect calves against internal parasites that threaten weight gain and profit potential. And depending on your operation's goals, you can drive additional calf value by implanting during this time. "A common misconception is that preconditioned calves get too soft or too fleshy and bring less money," Sarchet said. "Implants are an easy workaround to this scenario, because they enhance lean muscle development and help increase overall growth."

5. Consider alternative marketing options. The truth is that calves will get sold whether they are preconditioned or not, especially in this market. However, there are multiple ways that you can command greater value for your preconditioned calves. "One option is a SelectVAC® program," Sarchet said.

Selling cattle with a history in a verified preconditioning program, such as SelectVAC, provides transparency to buyers because the program documents which products were administered and when.

Western Video Market data shows the value of calves enrolled in SelectVAC over a recent five-year period: Calves enrolled in WeanVAC™ earned $17.27 per head more than non-enrolled calves, and calves enrolled in PreVAC+ earned $10.85 per head more than non-enrolled calves.3

Another simple marketing strategy that's growing in popularity is price insurance," Sarchet said. "If you're hesitant to hold calves, this method can help ensure you get the price you want for the calves when you're ready to sell them."

6. Consult local experts. "A preconditioning program is not as simple as checking a box on a sale listing," Kesterson concluded. Preconditioning programs do require some additional planning and, in many cases, an analysis of the market in your area.

"In addition to working with your local veterinarian, consult other producers who have seen success in preconditioning calves," Sarchet added. "They can tell you what works, what doesn't work, and what they're doing to ensure their calves bring a profit."

To learn more about developing a strong preconditioning program visit with your local veterinarian or go to BuildingHealthyHerds.com.