Weaning - Innovative Ways to Reduce Stress

An essential task on the horizon for suckler cow producers is weaning the calves. This a crucial point in the calves life, although it can be a source of stress which can impact productivity massively. Weaning is often done as cattle are housed and the stress of weaning can increase the risk of disease outbreak like pneumonia. 

Traditional methods of weaning would be to wean the calves and then take the cows and calves out of sight and earshot. Making a clean break effectively. In some cases, calves would be sold off the farm immediately. This can be particularly stressful for the calf as their environment will change, their ration will change, and they will leave their mothers for the first time. Sometimes this will also be paired with treatments like vaccinations and worming. Increased stress during this time can suppress the immune system of the calf and impact the lifetime productivity of the animal. 

Fence Line Weaning  

A relatively common practice is to wean the cows and calves and leave them either in pens or fields next to each other. This allows the cows and calves to still see hear and smell each other which reduces the stress for both cow and calf. Disadvantages are that it does require a good strong fence as the barrier between them. Otherwise, stock may jump back to their mothers or they may be able to nurse through the fence which will reduce the effectiveness. 

Gradual or Creep Weaning 

This weaning system is when the calves are allowed access to a creep area. Ideally, this is where they will be fed and be very well bedded at all times. The process is started by feeding the calves in the creep area which gets them used to leaving their mothers. Once they have started they will then be shut away from their mothers for 12 hours initially and then let back. Building this up to 24 hours over a course of a few days. Before shutting the gate permanently. At which point it functions like fence line weaning. This system gradually breaks down the calves reliance on milk and the cow/calf bond. Making it less stressful for both. 

A similar system can also be done in paddock grazing systems. Allowing calves to creep ahead of the cows into fresher grass will reduce the milk intake and gradually break down the bond between the cow and calf. This can be done either using a creep gate like an inside system or using tall electric fence posts, which will allow the calves underneath but not the cows. 

Nose Flaps or Tags 

Nose tags are another option to reduce the stress of weaning. A tag or flap is fitted to the calves nose so they can no longer suckle their mothers. This reduces the calves stress buy weaning them off the milk prior to leaving their mothers. This system does require the calves are handled to fit the nose flaps and then handled again to remove them. In many cases this can be combined with another treatment or handling, but not always. 

Top Tips (regardless of system) 

• Keep the ration consistent, introduce the post weaning ration to calves whilst still on their mothers, reduce the calves’ reliance on milk. 

• Keep the environment as similar as possible. i.e. if taking stock inside take them in for a week or two before weaning, or if outside wean the calves in a field they are familiar with. 

• Try to keep handling and treatments around weaning time to a minimum. 

Malcolm MacDonald, Agricultural Consultant, Malcolm.MacDonald@sac.co.uk 

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Posted by Unearthed News on 24/09/2024