When to work cows

[Los Tres Hermanos]

Buying cattle at auction in the next month. Wondering when to work them. Do you typically work cattle as soon as you get them to your place post-auction?

Thanks!

[dieselbeef]

when i got time

[JSCATTLE]

I usually leave them in the lot for a couple days feed them and let them settle down . They have been through a lot from hauling and being worked or run through the sale barn .

[bigbull338]

since your buying cattle an will have to keep them in the corral a few days.id work them before turning them out on pasture.an make sure you worm them.

[backhoeboogie]

Cows or calves?

They are stressed. Stress aint good. Worst thing for them and drives their immunities down. There's no real way to quantify it since some are more high strung than others.

I'd watch calves really close and if they begin to show signs of respiratory issues, hit them with banamine and nuflour immediately. If one happens to have an ailment that must be treated, fix that too. Other than that, I'd let them all settle with good quality hay and maybe a touch of feed depending on their condition.

When they know you are walking up with a touch of feed, your presence no longer stresses them even more. Eventually they will quit looking to go home and settle in. That is when it is best to work them completely.

Usually - not always - I go through a probation period with mine in a pasture, then move them in with the herd, then I work them. They seem more settled when they are blended into the herd.

[Stocker Steve]

Next day

[medicinewoman]

All purchased cattle should be quarantined for at least two weeks and worked upon arrival to avoid spreading any existing or sale barn contracted diseases .
The exact protocol used should be at your local vet’s direction if you are not familiar with all communicable diseases in your area.
MW

[Dave]

This time of year with longer days I generally work them that day. Some times the next day. Of course it depends on what you are doing in "working" them. Giving wormer and vaccinations, I do right away. Castrating any bull calves I might buy.... I probably wait a week or two. At the saleyard I pass on high strung cattle as they will tend to be more stressed.