When the calves and heifers head off to grazing, or out the back of the farm, they can often get overlooked amongst the long busy days. But just remember, moving/feeding them is only part of the succession plan.

• • First of all, provide plenty of good quality feed.
    Late summer/early autumn pasture is of variable quality with the lack of rain we’ve been having across the region this year. So, supply youngstock with good silage or alternative supplements to allow them to reach their full potential. A stunt in their growth is a mark on the board toward problems down the line, so keep weighing with a regular routine to ensure growth targets are being hit. Plus, who doesn’t love a well-grown chunky heifer joining the herd.

• • Trace element consistency is key.
    Trace element deficiencies are often one of the most overlooked. Youngstock need supplementation of trace elements to grow to their full potential as only pasture isn’t enough for them. Supplementing through only water can be variable as water intake will vary due to climatic conditions and will be lower in your younger animals anyway compared to lactating cows.  Copper and selenium injections can also have a place, but remember that it’s only a 1-2 month supplement and needs to be kept up to date to reduce deficiencies.Trace elements mixed through the feed is a reliable option but more labour intensive. There are also short acting and long acting mineral boluses which can definitely change the game for the better and provide consistency for their required growth, as well as zinc options to provide protection against facial eczema.Unlocking their true potential is the key to success – long acting mineral boluses for trace element consistency have proven great results. Talk to your vet or Technical Service Representative (TSR) about trace element testing and supplementation options for your youngstock.

• • Drenching is an important part – but don’t over or under do it.
    Using drench that will do the job right and only drenching when necessary is a positive and more productive outcome. Always weigh youngstock before drenching to ensure we don’t under dose when drenching is required.A faecal egg count method is an affordable and effective option to see if you need to drench your youngstock. This is also vital to help reduce the likelihood of drench resistance emerging on your property.
    Ask yourself these questions:
    • Do they have worms and if so what species?
    • What youngstock actually need drenching when weighing them– consider their condition/weight gains?
    • Is there an underlying issue affecting them?

    Understanding all of this will help grow better cattle more efficiently and save you time and money. The correct drench at the correct time is what’s most important –  don’t go in blind with your fingers crossed. When you buy a cheap drench with the same active ingredient as a well-known brand, it doesn’t mean it’ll work the same as the uptake/efficacy can change depending on the other ingredients in the product.

• • Don’t forget about biosecurity.
    If you’re grazing your youngstock on farm this gives you more control over biosecurity as you’re keeping a closed system. After all it’s your business, investment, and lifestyle at risk. So, always make sure that the youngstock are up to date with their vaccinations, kept away from the neighbouring stock and avoid cross grazing with the herd to reduce exposure to higher concentrated worm counts.When the youngstock is away at grazing, it’s the grazier you put your trust in. But, a good old handshake and “she’ll be right” just isn’t enough – instead make sure you sit down with them and explain what you want them to do.Keep the youngstock away from others and neighbouring stock, or if they’re grazed with others ensure they’re also vaccinated and up to date. We’ve seen far too often that a disease-free farm becomes infected by stock coming home from grazing with bovine viral diarrhea (BVD).At the end of the day – you’re paying for a service, and you want it to be of high-quality.

• Last but not least, have a documented plan for your youngstock.
  Whether it’s for yourself, your workers, or your grazier, it’s an important tool to have so you can ensure everything gets done at the right times and the future of your herd doesn’t fall behind the eight ball.A talk with your vet and TSR can help you to put an easy and effective month-by-month plan together to ensure success for the next generation of your herd.