Validating a Decision-Support Framework for Optimal Calf Weaning in South African Beef Systems Using the Delphi Technique

Calf weaning plays a fundamental role in the sustainability of cow-calf production systems. In South Africa, conventional weaning at six to nine months is widely practiced, but increasing climatic variability has highlighted early weaning as an adaptive strategy. To support producers in determining the optimal weaning age, we developed a Calf Weaning Decision-Support Framework through an extensive literature review. To ensure its practicality, we validated the framework using the Delphi technique, incorporating real-world insights from livestock experts. A two-round Delphi study was conducted with ten experts in livestock production and research, evaluating key factors influencing weaning age decisions. The study also used the Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank these factors based on expert consensus. The main findings showed strong agreement on productive factors, including weaning weight, conception rate, and dam body condition score alongside financial aspects that influence profitability, such as calf health and feeding expenses, as well as income generated at weaning. Experts identified three additional factors—cattle breed, enterprise cash flow needs, and veld type, emphasizing the need for flexible weaning strategies tailored to specific conditions. This study concludes that the expert-validated framework is a practical and adaptable tool, empowering South African beef producers to make informed, context-specific weaning decisions.