collecting data at weaning
A complete guide to ensure you collect all the data you need during weaning.
COLLECT WEANING WEIGHTS:
It's important to gather this data when calves are between 120 and 280 days of age.
Please note:
- All calves in a group must be weighed within a three-day window.
- Weights will be adjusted to a 205 day weight by the Association.
MORE DATA, MORE INSIGHTS
While you’ve got the calves in the chute, consider collecting additional data.
When to score:
Calves should be score between 120 and 280 days of age as they are leaving the chute.
How to score:
Score calves from 1 to 6. The scoring system and values are as follows:
- Docile, mild disposition
- Restless, quieter than average
- Nervous, typical temperament is manageable
- Flighty, wild, jumpy, and out of control
- Aggressive, added aggressive behavior
- Very aggressive and extremely temperamental
When to collect:
Heights can be taken between 160 and 280 days of age for an adjusted hip height and frame score.
How to collect:
Take measurements in inches directly over the hook bone while calves are in a chute. Make sure the animal is standing up straight and head is in a normal position.
When to score:
Calves should be at least 120 days of age.
How to measure:
All measurements should be taken by the same person - in centimeters (cm) with a scrotal measuring tape.
When measuring, pull the testes firmly down in the lower part off the scrotum and place the measuring tape around the widest part.
What to know:
Weaning scrotal circumferences are not adjusted.
To measure weaning PAP, calves must be at elevation of at least 5,500 ft. for a minimum of four weeks prior and be at least 120 days of age. Scores must be collected by a trained veterinarian.
Disposal codes count
Don’t forget to report disposal codes on calves that leave the herd at weaning. Record data before animal is disposed using a weaning record submission.
COLLECT ON THE DAMS
When to weigh:
Dams should be weighed 45 days before or after weaning.
What to know:
Weights need to be reported with a body condition score.
When to score:
Dams should be scored 45 days before or after weaning.
How to score:
Dams should be given a score between 1 and 9.
- Severely emaciated—All ribs and bone structure easily visible. Very little visible muscle tissue, physically weak.
- Emaciated—Similar to score one, but not weakened. Little visible muscle tissue.
- Very thin—No fat on ribs or brisket. More apparent muscling than on condition score two. Backbone easily visible.
- Thin—Ribs easily visible, but shoulders and hindquarters show fair muscling. Backbone visible.
- Moderate to thin—The last two or three ribs can be seen. Little evidence of fat on brisket, over ribs, or around tail head.
- Good condition—Smooth appearance throughout. Slight fat deposition on brisket and over tail head. Ribs covered, and backs appear slightly rounded.
- Very good condition—Brisket full. Tail head shows pockets of fat. The back appears well rounded due to fat. Ribs are very smooth.
- Obese—Back square due to fat. Brisket distended. Heavy fat pockets around tail head. Neck thick.
- Very obese—Rarely seen. Similar to condition score eight, except more extreme. Heavy deposition of udder fat.
How-To: Body Condition Scoring Cattle
When to measure:
Easiest to do when taking mature weights.
How to measure:
Hip heights should be taken in inches directly over hook bones while the dam is in the chute. Make sure she is standing up straight with her head in a normal position.
When to score:
Females can be scored yearly after reaching 320 days of age.
How to score:
Dams should be scored independently on claw set and foot angle on the combined worst foot. All dams in a group should be scored by the same person.
Both are scored on a scale from 1-9. Refer to the Foot Scoring Guide linked below.
What to know:
Diet-type must be submitted with a foot score.
0—Unknown
1—0% concentrate (no grain, on pasture, some hay)
2—Less than 50% concentrate (e.g. whole corn silage or supplemented with hay)
3—Greater than 50% concentrate (e.g. full feed, show feed, bull test diet)
How-To: Foot Scoring Cattle
Disposal codes Count
Don’t forget to report disposal codes when dams leave the herd, either by death or for management reasons.
MAXIMIZE YOUR DATA
Earn MaternalPlus®
As part of AHIR’s Inventory Reporting, herds can earn MaternalPlus® by reporting additional data including weaning weights. MaternalPlus females display the logo on pedigree look up.
Program benefits
EPDs Explained
Collecting and submitting data on your herd improves the accuracy of your cattle’s EPDs. It is important to understand how the data is used in individual EPDs.
Learn more
Earn MaternalPlus®
As part of AHIR’s Inventory Reporting, herds can earn MaternalPlus® by reporting additional data including weaning weights. MaternalPlus females display the logo on pedigree look up.
Program benefits
EPDs Explained
Collecting and submitting data on your herd improves the accuracy of your cattle’s EPDs. It is important to understand how the data is used in individual EPDs.
Learn more