Temporary calf removal during late lactation reduces calf performance without affecting milk production

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of temporary calf removal on milk production, cow performance, and calf performance in springcalving beef cows. Each year for 2 yr, 60 crossbred (1/4 Hereford, 1/4 Angus, 1/4 Simmental, and 1/4 Gelbvieh) multiparous beef cows and their calves were assigned to 1 of 5 separation treatments: 0, 4, 8, or 12 d of separation or permanent wean. Treatments were imposed on September 10. On October 18 and December 4, milk production was determined and cows were weighed and scored for body condition. Milk was sampled and analyzed for nutrient composition on September 2 and December 5. Milk production on October 18 and December 4 was not affected (P > 0.10) by temporary separation. No differences (P > 0.10) in milk nutrient composition occurred. Cow BW change from September 10 to December 4 responded in a cubic (P < 0.05) manner as separation interval increased. A significant (P < 0.05) year-by-treatment interaction occurred in cow BCS change and calf BW gains from September 10 to December 4. Change in BCS was cubic (P = 0.02) during yr 1 and quadratic (P = 0.007) during yr 2. Separation treatments caused calf BW to decrease linearly (P = 0.001) in yr 1 and quadratically (P = 0.02) in yr 2. Temporary separation of the calf from the cow did not cause a permanent decrease in milk production. Minor increases in cow BCS were offset by decreased calf BW gains.