Trial 1: In 1998 a trial was conducted on an extensive beef cattle ranch near Kimberley:
- 1,500 calves were successfully weaned with NoseRings®
- Heifers weaned with NoseRings® and left with their mothers weighed 30kgs more than conventionally weaned heifers when bulls were put in.
Trial 2: In 2000, a trial was conducted by a major feedlot organization and found that:
- calves weaned with NoseRings® for two weeks prior to going to the feedlot performed significantly better than
calves loaded directly from their mothers to the feedlot.
- The average daily gain improved by 156 grams
- Standing days were reduced by 16 days – a saving of about R160 per animal
- Veterinary costs reduced by R21 per animal purchased, or 8c per kg purchased
- Mass loss from traveling stress and the two-day stabilization period was eliminated as compared to 4.4 percent loss on just weaned calves – a saving of 32c per kg.
- Therefore an immediate saving of R92 per weaner averaging 230 kg just in reduced traveling stress and veterinary costs.