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Weaning cattle for maximum production
by Judy Richardson and Michael Cox
Effective weaning that minimises loss of production is critical for successful beef cattle production.
Calves are normally weaned between seven to eight months of age.
W
eaning is an essential task for cattle farmers but it tends to be a very stressful time for both the farmer and the cattle. Separating cows from calves at weaning is often character-ized by broken fences as cows and calves try to re-unite, unsettled cattle, bawling calves and bellowing cows. The stress of weaning not only takes its toll on the farmer but on the cattle as well. Cows and calves lose weight which can demand a considerable amount of time and money to regain.
When to wean
When to wean is just as important as how to wean. The weaning process is key to continued calf production as weaning the calf from the cow can have a significant impact on the cow’s next conception. Removing the calf from the cow at the right time, preferable before she falls below a body condition score of 3, gives her time to improve body condition allowing her to focus on her next gestation. The condition of a cow
at calving determines the time it takes for re-conception.Calves are normally weaned between 7-8 months of age. This allows the gestating cow to recover her body condition before the next calving. For maximum weaner production you want your calves to stay with the cows as long as possible to benefit from the cow’s milk for at least seven months. At seven months of age milk makes up only 10% of the feed required by the calf.
Weaning methods and techniques
There are many methods and ideas on how to wean cattle by separating the cows and calves. Most are determined by the type of operation and the facilities available. But the least stressful option for the cattle is the best for everyone. Conventionally, calves are separated from the cows and moved far enough away that they are unable to hear the cows bawling. Putting them into a feed kraal takes the calves off milk and grazing at the same time and requires them to adjust to new feed and water. This is the most stressful option as it immediately and aggressively changes the calves’ environment.
NoseRing is available at Livestock
Services. Visit them at Pamodzi
Highway, Off Nangwenya Road,
Showgrounds, or call them at
254024, 254497 and 254498 or
0975 474119 and 0969 635407.
Adapted from American Cattleman
July 2018 – Stress-free Weaning –
by Michael Cox (p 14-16).
This results in significant weight loss in the calves as well as the cows. Because of the aggressive nature of this method, it is likely that cows will try to find their calves resulting in broken fences and lost animals. One way to reduce the stress of this method is to place dry cows with the calves to provide a com-forting presence.
Cows will tend to search for their calves in the last place that they knew they were. So one way to minimise the impact of this instinct is to the return the cows to the paddock where they were last once you have removed the calves. They will then search for their calves in that paddock and, hopefully, not escape to look for their calves elsewhere.
Another method to reduce separa-tion stress is to fence wean. You need a very strong fence to divide the cows and calves. This allows them to see and communicate with each other but not be able to suckle. The disadvan-tage of this method is that calves may be very determined and can force their way through any weak spot in a fence resulting in broken fences and the need to separate the cows and calves all over again.
The most stress-free method of weaning is the use of a weaning device, such as a NoseRing. By fitting NoseR-ings to calves while they are still with the cows the cows will wean the calves themselves. The calf will adjust to life without milk while still being in the comforting presence of its mother.
By applying effective weaning tech-niques and performing them during the ideal time, a cattle producer improves the chance of producing high-quality calves and preserving the health of his entire herd.
For stress-free gradual weaning, a Nosering allows the calves to be in the comforting presence of their mothers while giving the cows the opportunity to maintain or improve body condition for the next calving season.