Bama":3jdf8n74 said:
Bez probally has the better plan. I can see where it has advantages. I do pretty much as milkmaid. Over the years I have used handsaws, hacksaws, pruning saws etc.. I agree with Bez also don't try a power saw. A cordless saws all will work however. Not reccommended though. The best one I have found is the one Bez is talking about. Its quick as easy. I probally sould do as Bez and pull and burn, but I just saw, stuff, and turn loose. Expect some blood to squirt and don't wear your best clothes.
Bama - Do it my way all day - you can run a lot through the chute - and none will likely get sick.
Remember the bigger they are the more important technique is. The little guys are easy - it is the big ones you gotta' do right.
Throw them out on pasture when you are done - remember - things are done this way to reduce the set back.
Just knocking them off like some folks talk about - I can do that as well - sets them back more than a day or two. It is a money game. A few pounds times a couple hundred head times four days.
If I placed 500 / 1000 / 2000 bucks on the ground outside your front door - would you stoop and pick it up?
No difference here either.
The more it hurts them and the longer you take to do it - the more money you lose.
I catch folks using ANY power tools when I am the lead hand - I tend to throw them AND the tools in the water trough if they will not put them away when I politely ask. I only ask once. This is one area when speed can actually cost you money.
Quiet is best as anyone who works animals will know.
Lazy, unprofessional and highly unethical in my mind. Yup - you who disagree can take a long hike.
I am big enough to do it. Last person to try was as big as me - I took him down with a cane to his legs first. That REALLY surprized him. Hurt him pretty bad as well. :D
Only a couple of years ago. At 49 then he thought of me as an old man - which in fact I am. :D
He went in the tub along with his tools.
When I am not the lead hand and the tools come out I tend to leave - right quick.
Just because they are cattle does not mean they need to be treated like schitzen. I can do it fast, humane and fairly bloodless - and generally speaking - unless you have really good infrastructure and an excellent catch crew - the folks running cattle up the chute for me will never be kept waiting for much longer than it takes for them to catch their breather
Not burning like you mentioned is not that big a deal, but it will really prevent a lot of possible complications.
Note**
Bama - most comments above addressed to general population - not you specifically.
To all who are stuck reading my lecture**
In the end it is a money game - do little harm and they recover faster - then they start gaining again. A delay of one day costs you - are you ready to give up a days gain?
How about losing a weeks gain from someone who does a lousy job?
14 pounds min gain on grass for one week times how many head? It adds up fast.
My personal thoughts have swiped the direction of this thread - as usual. Apologies to all.
Have a good one,
Bez!
