JFHMS Quality Assurance Practice Exam

If you plan to fence line wean your calves, what might your vet recommend to prevent decreased health and nutrition?

1. Preconditioning

2. Regular feeding

3. Vaccination

4. Supplements

The correct answer is: Preconditioning

When considering the practice of fence line weaning calves, preconditioning is a key recommendation from veterinarians to maintain the health and nutrition of the animals during this transition. Preconditioning involves preparing calves for weaning by gradually reducing their reliance on the cow while ensuring they are acclimated to food sources that will support their growth and well-being once weaned. This can include implementing a proper vaccination schedule, nutritional supplements, and feeding strategies that adapt the calves to a new diet, thus minimizing stress. By using preconditioning techniques, producers can help mitigate the negative impacts often associated with weaning, such as weight loss, health issues, and the stress that comes from the sudden change in their living conditions. It sets the foundation for better overall health as the calves adapt to life without their mothers, as opposed to simply relying on other strategies like regular feeding or supplements, which can be important but do not specifically address the transitional stress and nutritional adjustment that occur with weaning. Thus, the focus on preconditioning reflects a holistic approach aimed at both the health behaviors and nutritional requirements necessary for calves during this critical period.