For beef producers, deciding when to wean calves can have a big impact on herd health, cow fertility, and overall productivity. While most farmers stick to the traditional six- to eight-month window, experts from Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) say the optimal timing can vary — depending on the cow’s body condition, forage availability, and the calf’s readiness to transition to independence.
In a recent episode of the BCI Cattle Chat podcast, Kansas State specialists, joined by University of Missouri researcher Jordan Thomas, discussed how flexibility and observation are key when determining the right weaning time.
Typically, calves are weaned at around 180 to 240 days of age, but when forage is scarce or cows begin to lose body condition, earlier weaning — as young as four or five months — may be the smarter move. This approach helps relieve the nutritional demand on the cow, improving her chances of maintaining body condition and conceiving again during the next breeding season.
“Timing really depends on the goals of the operation,” Thomas said. “Producers need to consider the cow’s body condition, available feed resources, and whether the calf is ready to thrive on its own.”
The experts noted that calves should be eating solid feed and have a well-developed rumen before being weaned. Early-weaned calves require closer management and higher-quality nutrition to ensure steady growth and minimize stress.
On the other hand, traditional weaning ages still work best when forage is abundant and cow condition scores remain strong, allowing both cows and calves to perform well without additional input costs.
Ultimately, there’s no universal formula for the perfect weaning age. As the experts emphasized, the “best” time to wean is the one that fits the specific needs of the herd and operation, rather than the calendar date.
Producers looking to improve reproductive performance, nutrition planning, and weaning strategies can explore these topics further in the latest K-State BCI Cattle Chat podcast episode.
