180 Assessment of Weaning and Backgrounding Management Practices Used by Alabama Cattle Producers

Abstract Weaning is one of the most critical and stressful stages a beef calf’s life. Management strategies practiced during post-weaning period can have large impact on calf performance, quality, economic viability. With number different practices that producers utilize these production, it important for Extension educators to understand which management are commonly used potential successes those practices. In spring 2022, an online survey was conducted examine weaning backgrounding by Alabama cattle producers. The distributed through Qualtrics software contained 24 total questions. There were 214 responses received end deadline. A 94% respondents considered their operation be cow-calf with 52% identifying as commercial operation. Most participants (46%) indicated they had smaller size herd 50 head or less. Almost one-half (47%) calving season in fall, 23% winter season, 19% season. 11% response not having defined Participants asked describe method methods listed, 55% said abruptly wean 38% reported fenceline weaning. Over (61%) background precondition calves another 25% stated do some years, but always. For background, market unpredictability main concern when choosing calves. Producers who responded at least 60 days before sale. These also followed other such vaccination program (83%), castration (81%) use implants (37%). Methods marketing backgrounded differed across 49% using local livestock auctions selling 13% retaining ownership feedyard finishing phase. data, educational gaps operations, knowledge opportunities been identified. will able data create resources programs centered around improve overall understanding related post-weaning.