Summary: Weaning can be a stressful process for calves, affecting their health, growth, and immunity. Using low-stress methods, such as fenceline and two-step weaning, can help ease this transition and support better calf performance during and after weaning.
Weaning Challenges and Low-Stress Solutions
Abrupt weaning often creates stress in calves, reducing their feed intake and lowering immunity. Gradual methods like fenceline and two-step weaning reduce stress and can improve calf health and growth.
Fenceline Weaning
In fenceline weaning, calves and cows are placed in adjacent pastures where they can still see and hear each other, easing the separation process. Studies show that this method reduces vocalization, increases feeding time, and promotes weight gain.
How to Implement Fenceline Weaning:
- Place cow-calf pairs in the weaning pasture before separating them.
- Keep cows in an adjacent pasture so calves can still see and smell them.
- Use secure fencing (e.g., five-strand barbed wire or electric) to prevent nursing.
Two-Step Weaning
Two-step weaning uses plastic nose tags that prevent calves from nursing while still allowing them to stay with their dams. After 4-7 days, the tags are removed, and the cows are relocated. This gradual process helps calves adjust with less stress.
How to Implement Two-Step Weaning:
- Insert nose tags for 4-7 days to stop nursing but keep calves with their dams.
- After this period, remove the tags and separate the cows.
Conclusion
Using low-stress weaning methods can lead to healthier, calmer calves and a smoother weaning experience for producers.
We have found that the high milking cows have a much higher incidence of mastitis after weaning when we use the plastic nose tags. The higher milking cows should just be seperated from their calves. Perhaps fenceline would work best for them.