Weaning Methods Research Articles

An investigation into the weaning practices used within the UK equine breeding industry sector

Weaning occurs during the development of the young horse, involving maternal deprivation, abrupt nutritional challenges and social changes (Nicol, 1999) in both the free-living and domestic horse. Both psychological and physical aspects of well being can be impacted on if weaning is received with a negative response by the individual (Hoffman et al., 1995). Weaning can therefore evoke both short term and long term responses. Short term includes depressed immunity, inappetance and increased cortisol and adrenal responses. Long term changes include locomotory or oral stereotypies development (Waters et al., 2002), reduced ability to interact with other equines (Weeks et al., 2000), and affects on the human-horse bond and trainability (Sondergaard and Ladewig, 2004). There is an abundance of research discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different foal weaning practices and which is best (Waran et al., 2008). Parker et al., (2008) examined horse breeding management in Europe, North America and Australia. The USA sample population were weaned at a much earlier age with a greater percentage displaying abnormal behaviours. However there is little research to suggest which weaning methods, such as gradual or abrupt, are actively used or favoured within the horse breeding industry. The current study therefore sets out to investigate which method of weaning is most common within the UK equine breeding industry.

Prevention and Treatment of Tube Dependency in Infancy and Early Childhood

Tube dependency is recognized as an unintended result of long-term tube feeding in infants and young children. The condition involves disturbing side effects such as vomiting, gagging, and active food refusal. It prevents infants from making the transition from tube to oral feeding and from starting to learn to eat in the absence of any medical indication for continuation of enteral feeding. Tube dependency can have a destructive impact on the child's development, even in cases when the nutritional influence might be beneficial. The authors set up recommendations for the prevention of tube dependency and suggest guidelines for weaning tube-dependent children based on the results of the Graz program and satellite programs using a similar model. A sample of 221 tube-dependent patients aged 4 months to 15 years of age provided the clinical study group on which this article is based. Begun in 1987, a comprehensive tube-weaning program was developed on the basis of clinical experience and encounters with more than 430 tube-dependent children in 20 years, resulting in a success rate of 78/81 (96% for 2007) and 79/84 (94% for 2008). Placement must be preceded by clear criteria and a decision as to the indicated nutritional goal and time of use. The placement of a temporary tube must generate a plan covering maintenance issues, including time, method, and team for weaning. Aspects of tube feeding that go beyond purely medical and nutritional issues need to be considered to minimize the frequency and severity of unintended tube dependency in early childhood.

Influence of weaning method on health status and rumen development in dairy calves

In the artificial rearing of dairy calves, the same feeding plan is applied to all animals during the milk-feeding period, with individual differences attributable to development or health status rarely considered. The aim of this study was 1) to analyze whether the parameters of feeding behavior automatically recorded by a feeding computer and weight gain are suitable for predicting the health status and rumen development of male dairy calves, and 2) to compare a conventional weaning method (end of milk provision at 12 wk of age, n = 23 calves) with a concentrate-dependent weaning method (with reduction in the milk amount depending on the consumption of concentrate, n = 24). The health status of each animal was evaluated daily by a scoring list (health score), and body temperature was measured automatically during each milk intake. In addition, the number of veterinary treatments per calf was recorded. Rumen development was assessed by measuring rumen papillae in 8 rumen areas after slaughter (n = 24, half of each treatment group). During the milk-feeding period, body temperature was elevated (≥39.5°C) on 40.8 and 43.2% of all days for calves on the concentrate-dependent weaning method and the conventional weaning method, respectively. Hay and concentrate intake (but not milk intake) and weight gain were clearly affected by health status. In addition, health score and the probability of being treated by a veterinarian were significantly related to decreases in concentrate consumption. During the milk-feeding period, increased body temperature, an increased number of veterinary treatments, and decreases in milk consumption were all associated with reduced weight gain. Calves on the concentrate-dependent weaning method were weaned at an average age of 76 d, which was significantly shorter than the age at the end of milk provision for conventionally fed calves (84 d). Weight gain and health status did not differ between treatment groups. Weight gain was positively associated with papillae length. A treatment effect on rumen development could not be found. We conclude that the concentrate-dependent weaning method allows a faster physiological development without any negative impact on rumen development, weight gain, or health status; we therefore recommend its use in practice.

Ventilation and Weaning Practices in Australia and New Zealand

Using a one-day prospective point prevalence design, this study aimed to characterise the current practice of mechanical ventilation and weaning in Australian and New Zealand intensive care units. During 2005, a bi-national one-day survey of 55 intensive care units found the point-prevalence of mechanical ventilation to be 284/491(58%). Common modes used were synchronised intermittent mandatory ventilation with pressure support, pressure support ventilation (each 116/284, 41%) and pressure-control modes (48/284, 17%). Relative to volume-control modes, pressure-control was more frequently used for patients with respiratory disease (odds ratio 4.7, 95% confidence interval 2.4 to 9.2, P <0.001) or greater severity of illness (odds ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 2.6, P = 0.01, per five-point increment in the maximum sequential organ failure score). Excluding cardiothoracic surgery patients, the Kaplan-Meier estimated median total ventilation duration was 1.9 days (interquartile range 0.8 to 6.8 days). Apart from 24/255 (9.4%) patients who received only pressure support ventilation, weaning methods (attempted in 255 patients, 29 prior deaths) included: change to pressure support ventilation (186/255, 73%), T-piece (31/255, 12%) or other methods (14/255, 5.5%). The point prevalence of mechanical ventilation was greater than comparable international studies. Australian and New Zealand intensive care unit ventilatory practices are similar, but differ substantially from published international survey results, due to a near absence of assist/control, prominent use of pressure-control modes and a preference forpressure support ventilation weaning as opposed to T-piece.

Effects of Alternate Weaning Methods on Behavior, Blood Metabolites, and Performance of Beef Calves

Beef calves traditionally are weaned by abrupt remote separation from their dams. Alternate weaning strategies have been suggested to reduce stress and improve performance of calves after weaning. Two such strategies were compared with abrupt remote separation weaning in spring-born, Angus-crossbred steers. Cow-calf pairs were allotted to 3 treatments 7 d before (d−7 to 0) weaning: fence-line (FL, calves separated from dams by a fence), nose-clips (NC, placement of antisuckling device on calves which then remained with dams), or control (CTRL, calves remained with dams until d 0). All steers were transported away from their dams on d 0, placed on pasture on d 1, and maintained within weaning-method treatment groups. Behavioral observations were conducted from d−7 to−4 and d 1 to 4. The NC calves spent less time eating, more time idling, more time close to dams, walked less, and had reduced ADG compared with FL or CTRL calves before transport (P < 0.05). The CTRL calves spent less time eating, more time idling, and walked more than FL or NC calves (P < 0.05) after transport. Average daily gain of FL calves was greater than NC calves (P < 0.05). On d 0, NC calves had reduced (P < 0.05) creatine kinase and BUN concentrations and greater nonesterified fatty acid concentration. There were no treatment effects for any blood metabolite detected after transport. Nose-clip weaning did not seem to be a comparable method to FL weaning, whereas FL weaning may be an alternative to traditional weaning.

The Effects of Teat Bar Design and Weaning Method on Behavior, Intake, and Gain of Dairy Calves

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of teat-feeding method and weaning method on behavior, milk and concentrate intake, and weight gain of group-housed dairy calves. Forty-eight calves were housed in groups of 4 and offered 6L of whole milk per calf in 2 daily feedings. In 6 of the 12 group pens, the calves were offered the milk in a teat bar with a separate milk compartment for each teat, whereas in the remaining 6 pens, the calves were offered the milk in a teat bar with all teats connecting to 1 shared milk compartment. Calves were gradually weaned off milk by reducing the volume of milk over a 10-d period, starting at an average age of 47 d. In 6 pens (3 pens with each of the 2 milk-feeding treatments), calves were weaned by volume reduction, whereas in the remaining pens, the calves were weaned by diluting the milk with water (WD) and maintaining the same total volume of liquid. Daily concentrate intake per pen was recorded during weaning and 1 wk after weaning. Behavior was recorded around milk feeding, by direct observation on 1 occasion before and on 1 occasion during weaning, and by video on 1 occasion before and 2 occasions during weaning. Furthermore, the behavior was recorded during the 15h of light on 1 occasion during weaning. Individual milk intake was measured twice by weighing the calves immediately before and after milk feeding. The calves fed via a separate teat bar switched between teats more often than calves fed with a shared teat bar. There was greater variation in the duration of ingesting milk within groups fed via a separate teat bar, but no effect of teat bar design was found on the variation in milk intake within the groups. Calves fed via a separate teat bar took longer to start eating concentrate after milk feeding than calves fed with a shared teat bar. The WD calves had a lower concentrate intake during weaning than weaned by volume reduction calves. The WD calves were lying down less during the 30min after milk feeding and during the 15h of light, although they had a shorter latency to lie down after milk feeding. In conclusion, a separate teat bar increased teat switching, increased variation in duration of ingesting milk, and increased the latency to eat concentrates after milk feeding. There was no effect of the teat bar design on feed intake or weight gain. However, weaning the calves by gradually diluting the milk with water reduced lying during weaning and reduced the concentrate intake during and after weaning.

Development and Evaluation of an e-Learning Program for Mothers of Premature Infants

It has been attempted to support mother of premature infants by providing information of premature infant care using e-learning because premature infants need continuous care from birth to after discharge. The e-Learning Program for mother of premature was developed with Xpert, Namo web editor, Adobe Photoshop, and PowerPoint and applied for 4 weeks from 4 to 30 September 2006. 1) We found that the contents of information which premature infants' need when being in the hospital and after discharge were the definition of a premature infant, orientation of NICU, care of premature infants, care of premature infants' common diseases, the connection of healthcare resources, exchange of information, and the management of rearing stress. 2) The program content consisted of cause of premature birth, comparison to full-term baby, physiology character, orientation of NICU, common health problems, follow up care, infection control, feeding, normal development physically and mentally, weaning method, and vaccination. Considering the results, this program for mother of premature is a useful means to provide premature-care information to mothers. This information can be readily accessible and can be varied and complex enough to be able to help mothers to the information and assistance they require.

Effects of Weaning Management Strategies on Performance and Health of Calves during Feedlot Receiving

AbstractA trial was conducted to explore possible advantages of pasture-weaning calves with contact to their dams. Three weaning strategies were investigated: 1) weaned at trucking, 2) weaned 30 d before trucking and confined in drylot, and 3) weaned 30 d before trucking and pastured with fence-line contact with their dams. Steers from the drylot weaning strategy lost 0.6 kg/d the first week in the feedlot, whereas steers from the truck weaning and pasture-weaning treatments gained 0.5 and 0.4 kg/d, respectively (P = 0.01). Body weight gain in the subsequent 3 wk was similar among all treatments (P > 0.05). However, the differences in the first week upon arrival in the feedlot were enough to impact overall gain of truck- and pasture-weaned calves compared to drylot-weaned calves (P = 0.01) during the entire 4-wk feedlot arrival period. Weaning effects on incidence of morbidity also were detected (P = 0.03). Only 15% of the pastureweaned calves required treatment for respiratory disease. This incidence was doubled for truck-weaned calves and nearly 2.5 times greater for calves weaned in drylot. Pasture-weaning with calves having fence-line contact with their dams appears to be an acceptable method of weaning.

Effects of weaning lambs in two stages or by abrupt separation on their behavior and growth rate

A study was conducted to evaluate effects of age at weaning in combination with different weaning procedures on 2 breeds of lambs (Merinoland, Rhoenschaf). Lambs were either weaned at 8 or 16 wk of age in 2 stages or with the traditional method of weaning by abrupt separation. In the 2-stage treatment, lambs were prevented from nursing their dam for 1 wk (stage 1) before their separation (stage 2). Control animals were nursed by their dams until they were separated. Lamb BW and behavior (vocalization, agitation) were recorded before and after separation. After separation, lambs weaned at 8 wk of age had greater (P = 0.004) ADG compared with lambs weaned at 16 wk of age. Control lambs had greater (P < 0.001) agitation scores [1 = no agitation (normal behavior; i.e., feeding, resting, lying, standing, or play behavior) to 3 = high agitation (continuously moving, restlessness, or vocalization)] irrespective of weaning age and breed. On the day of separation, 2-stage lambs had scores from 1.17 to 1.35, whereas control lambs were scored from 1.70 to 1.79. After separation, lambs weaned in 2 stages vocalized up to 98.2% less (P = 0.001) than control animals. Furthermore, bleats were greater for Rhoenschaf lambs and at a weaning age of 8 wk (P < 0.05). Differences between treatments were greatest on the day of separation. Vocalization decreased continuously within the first 3 d of weaning to zero. Lambs weaned in 2 stages were less distressed than lambs weaned by the traditional method of abrupt separation based on behavioral data, but ADG until 12 and 16 wk of age did not differ (P > 0.05) for either treatment in this study.

Improved weaning reduces cross-sucking and may improve weight gain in dairy calves

Artificially reared dairy calves are weaned as soon as possible for economic reasons, often without sufficient consideration of individual differences in capability to eat dry food. A particularly critical situation occurs when milk provision is discontinued without knowing whether the calves are able to cover their nutritional requirements with solid food only. Possible consequences are diminished weight gain and abnormal oral behaviour (especially cross-sucking). In this study, a concentrate-intake-dependent weaning method (reduction of milk allowance dependent on an increasing consumption of concentrate ( n = 14 calves: individually weaned calves)) was compared with a conventional weaning method generally used on Swiss farms (milk provision ended at 11.5 weeks of age irrespective of concentrate intake ( n = 13 calves: conventionally weaned calves)). The sucking and feeding behaviour of each calf was observed three times for two consecutive days (1 week after grouping, 1 week before and 1 week after the end of milk provision). Each calf was weighed twice weekly. Individually weaned calves reduced cross-sucking occurring independently of milk intake with increasing age, whilst this was not observed in conventionally weaned calves ( P = 0.002). There was a tendency for weight gain in individually weaned calves to increase steadily, whereas the weight gain of conventionally weaned calves remained constant after milk provision was stopped ( P = 0.069). These findings indicate that optimised management of weaning bearing the individual animal's development in mind improves production and welfare in dairy calves.

The effects of weaning on the domestic horse ( Equus caballus)

For free-living or feral horses weaning takes place naturally at around 8–9 months [Gill, E.L., 1988. Factors affecting body condition of New Forest Ponies. Ph.D. Thesis. Department of Biology, University of Southampton]. Some mares will continue to suckle their foal until shortly before the arrival of their next foal, gestation being approximately 342 days depending upon the breed of the horse [Ropiha, R.T., Mathews, G., Butterfield, R.M., 1969. The duration of pregnancy in Thoroughbred mares. Vet. Rec. 84, 552–555]. Under domestic conditions, weaning tends to take place earlier, typically between 4 and 6 months of age. The weaning process has been identified as associated with potential psychological, physical and nutritional stressors that are of welfare concern. Following a review of the literature it is evident that there is a need for detailed research into what should constitute best practice with respect to foal and mare welfare. In addition, there is a need to understand the potential long-term impact of weaning on, for example, trainability and later maternal behaviour, and whether the stresses associated with early weaning have detrimental effects on the performance horse. There is also a lack of clear information concerning the most frequently observed weaning practices and the reasons why certain weaning methods are chosen. Some variables should be closely managed during weaning in order to minimise stress responses. These include: early creep feeding to familiarise the young animal with the food it will be exposed to during weaning, feeding a high fibre diet and keeping the animal in extensive conditions using a gradual approach to weaning. However, we conclude that there may not be one best method for weaning, since the chosen method must take into account a number of factors including: available resources, the housing environment, the individual foal's stage of development, the strength of the mare–foal attachment, the foal's ability to cope with changes in social conditions and the ability of the horse owner to implement the chosen method. We do however suggest that the fewest stress responses appear to occur where foals are weaned gradually and allowed to have social contact either with other foals or with older horses.

Milk allowance and weaning method affect the use of a computer controlled milk feeder and the development of cross-sucking in dairy calves

The effect of milk allowance and type of weaning on behaviour in dairy calves was investigated. A total of 72 calves divided into 6 blocks of 12 calves were used. The calves in each block were divided into two groups and housed in a separate section containing two straw-bedded pens, each with a computer controlled milk feeder. Within block, calves were assigned to either a low milk allowance (4.8l/day for heavy breeds and 3.6l/day for Jersey) or a high milk allowance (9.2l/day for heavy breeds and 7.2l/day for Jersey), while concentrate was feed ad libitum. One group in each block was assigned to gradual weaning from 6 to 8 weeks of age, while the other was assigned to abrupt weaning at 8 weeks of age. Recordings of cross-sucking were done on days before, during and after weaning, and use of milk and concentrate feeder was recorded throughout the experiment. Abruptly weaned calves performed more cross-sucking than gradually weaned calves immediately after weaning (P<0.01), while this difference was not found 4 days after weaning. Before weaning was initiated, calves on a low milk allowance had more unrewarded visits to the milk feeder than calves on a high milk allowance (P<0.01). During the weaning period, calves on an unchanged milk allowance had a lower number of unrewarded visits (P<0.05) to the milk feeder than gradually weaned calves. However, the first 5 days after weaning, they had longer duration (P<0.05) and a higher number of unrewarded visits (P<0.01) than gradually weaned calves. These results indicate that gradual weaning of calves reduces cross-sucking and unrewarded occupancy of the milk feeder compared to abrupt weaning. Furthermore, a high milk allowance reduces unrewarded occupancy during the milk feeding period.

Changes in Energy Expenditure in Preterm Infants During Weaning: A Randomized Comparison of Two Weaning Methods from an Incubator

We aimed to compare resting energy expenditure (REE) of infants exposed to either one of two weaning methods and to confirm the increase in REE during weaning from incubator. The study was a prospective randomized clinical trial of weaning preterm infants using either of two methods. REE was measured at baseline and 6, 23, 30, and 47 h, using indirect calorimetry. At measurement, infants were clinically and thermally stable, asleep, 2 h after feeding. Forty-two patients were randomized to "open incubator" (n = 23) or "warming bassinet" (n = 19). The groups did not differ in baseline clinical characteristics. REE increased significantly in both groups within 23 h, and remained stable at 30 and 47 h. At 6 and 23 h, the incubator group had significantly higher increase in REE than the warming bassinet group. By 30 h and at 47 h post-weaning, the REE of both groups became similar. In conclusion, REE increases significantly at weaning from incubator. The warming bassinet delays the increase in REE observed when infants are weaned using a turned off incubator. Whether one method is superior to the other in terms of thermic stress cannot be determined from this study.

Características do processo de desmame da ventilação mecânica em hospitais do Distrito Federal

Concerning the mechanical ventilation, the weaning is a usual and significant intensive care process. Identifying, describing and demonstrating the techniques used by Respiratory Therapists in weaning and also obtaining its parameters in Intensive Care Units (ICU). A survey related to the weaning process was done with active ICU Respiratory Therapists from (FD) in the year 2005. The survey consisted of 31 subjective and objective questions, some of them allowing multiple answers. Eighty surveys were carried out at twenty hospitals. 90% of participants were specialized staff with a mean of three year working experience in ICU. In 98.7% of the answers, doctors and respiratory therapists were responsible for operating the ventilators. In 61.3%, doctors and respiratory therapists were responsible for their use and, in 36.3%, the responsibility was solely on the respiratory therapist professionals. It was found that only twenty-four respiratory therapists (30%) follow the weaning protocol. Among the most practiced parameters from the weaning process are: respiratory frequency (98%), tidal volume (97.5%) and periferic oxygen saturation (92.5%). The least utilized are the maximum inspiratory pressure (18.8%) and the vital capacity (13.8%). Great differences were observed in the weaning methods, choice of parameters and the way they were collected. These variations suggest that there is a lack of routine and the need to implement simple protocols.

The effect of weaning method on coccidial infections in beef calves

Weaning is often cited as a stressful event that can precipitate clinical coccidiosis in cattle. Recently, two-stage weaning methods have been investigated as a means to reduce stress in calves. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of weaning method on fecal oocyst count (FOC) and Eimeria spp. composition. A group of 108 beef calves (190–240 days of age) were allocated to three treatments on day −7: a fenceline weaned group where calves could see and hear their dams, but were physically separated from them by a fence (FL), a noseclipped group where suckling was prevented (NC), and a group left with their dams to be traditionally weaned (TW) by abrupt separation on day 0. On day 0, noseclips were removed from the NC calves and all groups were completely separated from their dams. The steers ( n = 50) were transported 172 km to another farm, and heifers ( n = 58) were taken to distant fields on the same farm. Rectal fecal samples were collected from all calves on days −7, 0, and 14. Steers were also sampled on days 7, 28, and 42. A group of steers ( n = 24) from each of the treatments previously described were fitted with pedometers and intensively observed on days 1–4. The Modified McMaster's test and Wisconsin sugar flotation test were used for quantification and identification of Eimeria spp. oocysts. Clinical coccidiosis was not observed during the study. Fecal oocyst counts did not differ between treatment groups on any sampling day. Differences between steer and heifer FOC were not detected. Treatment had no effect on species composition, but time effects were detected in the steers. The mean percentage of E. bovis was lower ( P < 0.05) on days 28 and 42 than all other sampling days. The decrease in the percentage of E. bovis was accompanied by an increase ( P < 0.05) in the percentage of E. canadensis on days 28 and 42. Behavioral observation showed that TW steers exhibited higher levels of stress related behavior ( P < 0.05) following complete separation, although this was not reflected in FOC.

Comparative study of two methods of weaning from mechanical ventilation in a cancer surgical intensive care unit

The aim of the study was to compare the combination of intermittent mandatory ventilation plus pressure-support ventilation (SIMV+PSV) with intermittent trials of spontaneous breathing (ITSB) using a T-tube as two methods of weaning in a surgical ICU.

Weaning from mechanical ventilation in post- operatory: a clinical essay

The cardiac surgery post-operatory nurses from Hospital Universitario Pedro Ernesto use syncronized Intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) as a weaning method. Extubation occurs, in average, eight hours after surgery, what is considered a long period. The study compares the period of mechanical ventilation between two weaning modalities: T-tube and SIMV. The study refers to a randomized, clinical trial and control group. A mechanical ventilation weaning protocol has been developed utilizing T-tube as a way of comparing the current protocol, which utilizes SIMV. A Student t- test has been perfomed for the comparison of both groups, with the help of 3.0 Instat GraphPad. The values were considered significant at p<0,05. It was approved by The Research Ethics Committee of the Institution. In the previous analysis, on comparing the time between the two techniques, the use of T-tube was the modality when the patients were weaned in a shorter period of time (45 minutes). However, the values have not been considered significant due to the small size of the sample (n=30). It has been noted that the higher the level of sedation in the post-operatory phase, the faster the weaning. This finding has been related with the absence of pain felt at this stage; once the patient without pain cooperates in the weaning process. The pain limits the movement. As a result, coughing, deep breathing and change in position will be restrained. Therefore, the patient will be agitated at awakening, being necessary the restraint of his movements in bed, prolonging sedation and extubation.

Issues in weaning from mechanical ventilation: literature review

The aim of this paper is to raise questions on the effect of skill mix and organizational structure on weaning from mechanical ventilation. Mechanical ventilation is an essential life-saving technology. There are, however, numerous associated complications that influence the morbidity and mortality of patients receiving intensive care. Therefore, it was essential to use the safest and most effective form of ventilation for the shortest possible duration. Because of the potential complications and costs of mechanical ventilation, research to date have focused on accurate weaning readiness assessment, methods and organizational aspects that influence the weaning process. In early 2005, the literature was reviewed from 1986 to 2004 by accessing the following databases: Medline, Proquest, Science Direct, CINAHL, and Blackwell Science. The keywords mechanical ventilation, weaning, protocols, critical care, nursing role, decision-making and weaning readiness were used separately and combinations. Controversy exists in weaning practices about appropriate and efficacious weaning readiness assessment indicators, the best method of weaning and the use of weaning protocols. Arguably, the implementation of weaning protocols may have little effect in an environment that favours collaboration between nursing and medical staff, autonomous nursing decision-making in relation to weaning practices, and high numbers of nurses qualified at postgraduate level. Further research is required that better quantifies critical care nurses' role in weaning practices and the contextual issues that influence both the nursing role and the process of weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Correction: Weaning from mechanical ventilation

It has been brought to our attention that there was a typographical error in our review article [1] published in February 2000. The last sentence of the abstract should read: Two randomized studies found that, in difficult-to-wean patients, synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) is the most ineffective method of weaning.

The effects of weaning beef calves in two stages on their behavior and growth rate

Four trials were conducted to explore possible advantages of weaning beef calves in two stages compared with the traditional method of weaning by abrupt separation. In the two-stage treatment, calves were prevented from nursing their dam for a period (Stage 1) before their separation (Stage 2). Control calves nursed from their dams until they were separated. Calf weights and behavior were recorded before and after the separation of cows and calves. Following separation, calves weaned in two stages vocalized 96.6% less (P = 0.001) and spent 78.9% less time walking (P = 0.001), 23.0% more time eating (P = 0.001), and 24.1% more time resting (P = 0.001) than control calves. Compared with controls, two-stage calves had lower (P < 0.001) ADG when nursing was deprived (Stage 1), but greater (P < 0.001) ADG during the 7 d following separation. In Trial 3, calves weaned by the two-stage method had greater (P = 0.05) growth rates than control calves for 7 wk after separation, but no treatment effects on ADG were detected (P > 0.38) in Trials 1 and 2. Over the entire study period (before and after separation), ADG did not differ (P > 0.10) for both treatments. In Trial 4, calves weaned in two stages walked 1.3 km/d more (P < 0.05) during the 4-d period when nursing was prevented (Stage 1) and 5.8 km/d less (P < 0.05) during the 4-d period after separation than controls. Differences between treatments were the greatest in the 2 d after separation. On the first day after separation, two-stage calves walked 5.2 +/- 0.5 km/ d, whereas control calves walked 16.7 +/- 3.1 km/d. Calves weaned in two stages were less distressed than calves weaned by the traditional method of abrupt separation based on behavioral data, but overall calf ADG did not differ for either method in this study. Nutritional management of two-stage weaned calves during the nursing-deprived period should be evaluated in future research because poor pasture conditions may have decreased gains by calves weaned by the two-stage method in this study.