weaning my calves

[rc]

I seperated my 5 month old calves from the cows, put them in a 40 x 80 pen with 6 foot horse wire and then took the cows back to the back pasture. The problem is that the cows can hear the calves and keep coming back to the pasture with the pen and calves in it. Is this a less stressful way of weaning as long as they can't get to the cow to nurse? I really don't mind the cows being close and wonder if they will loose interest as they dry up. This is thier first calves. I seperated them as the cows are rebred and really getting pulled down. Is this ok?

 

[dun]

It's basically fenceline weaning, about the least stressfull method of weaning. The cows will start to lose interest in a couple of days. As long as the calves are still eating well there shouldn;t be a problem. Fenceline weaning has been discussed a number of times on these forums, if you do a search for it you'll get tons of pros and cons.

dun

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

And you made a wise decision to wean early if the heifers are getting pulled down. Now they will be able to get back into condition prior to calving.
We have been fence line weaning the past two years. Only thing between cows & calves is the fence. That way they lay down next to each other & "visit" without sucking.
Biggest thing is to make sure all calves are eating & drinking.

 

[rc]

Thanks Dun. I know it's probably been beat to death, I'll do a search when I can sit still a little longer. I figured it to be ok but wanted to check.

 

[warpaint]

I prefer fenceline weaning. It's just a lot less stressfull.IMO

 

[cypressfarms]

I prefer fenceline weaning. It's just a lot less stressfull.IMO

I do too, but this past fall, a couple of first calf moma's decided to go through the fenceline. For about a week straight, every morning two cows were standing next to their calves. Had enough of it, and put the cows in the corral, and fed and watered them there. After three days I let them out, and you'd swear they never had a calf, went on in with the other cows and started eating.

 

[Aero]

i dont know what you call them, but has anybody tried those nose tag looking things to keep them from sucking?

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

I have not, but that is a two step program. You put the "weaners" in their nose and leave them with their mom. They have the security of mom, and eat & drink, but cannot suck. Than, you take them out of their nose, and seperate the calves. They still go thru the stress of being away from their mom, just supposed to be less weight loss due to already eating without sucking. I don't like to "handle" my cattle any more often than needed, and it is also an additional expense, but I have heard it was a good method.

 

[Victoria]

Our replacement heifers are all fenceline weaned. Some of our cows don't even hang around anymore. They know the drill and some of the old ladies I think are happy to be rid of their calves. :lol: Heifers can hang around for awhile. Had one that kept coming back to check her calf long after her milk dried up.
Our steers and heifers we don't keep are shipped out to auction on weaning day, never at as young as 5 months though. I'm sure everyone will do well, just give the calves some really good quality feed.

 

[dun]

I'm sure the product has been improved but we tried those things some 15 years ago or so. If they would have stayed on they probably would have been a good way to wean. Never could keep them on any given calf more then a couple of days.

dun

 

[ALACOWMAN]

ive had good success with five strands of barb and a hot wire about nose high. i wean off every fall and put my replacement in this paddock. cows are able to stand next to the babies and cry till its all over.after about 3 -4 days and some angry neighbors later your ready to go ;-)

 

[rc]

I knew I'd get some great replies and thanks. It does seem like there's a lot less stress on all concerned. The calves are in a 6 foot high fence but I have had one heifer go over it. She's one of the ones with a calf inside. I really think the next time I get her penned she will be sale barn bound. She's just got that look about her. She was the only one I could not get vaccinated and tagged the last time cows were worked....as she went over the fence.

 

[dun]

I knew I'd get some great replies and thanks. It does seem like there's a lot less stress on all concerned. The calves are in a 6 foot high fence but I have had one heifer go over it. She's one of the ones with a calf inside. I really think the next time I get her penned she will be sale barn bound. She's just got that look about her. She was the only one I could not get vaccinated and tagged the last time cows were worked....as she went over the fence.

Cows that think they are steeplechasers do need to find another home, if you can get her in a trailer

dun

 

[Susie David]

Have tried the nose flap weaners, look like some torture devise....didb't work the calves soon figure out how to get the teat by turning their head.
The bellering dies down after a couple of days and after two or so months the calves can be run with the mothers. Of coures there are exceptions that have to be seperated until the cow is totally dry and even then there are a few that will stand while the calf tries to suck. Some wean sooner, always exceptions. DMc

 

[rc]

If I can get her back in the working alley there will be a trailer awaiting when she comes out of the head gate.

 

[jt]

If I can get her back in the working alley there will be a trailer awaiting when she comes out of the head gate.

one way i have caught naughty cows in the past was with their calf... keep the calf in a place you want the cow and catch her that way.. you will have to catch her soon or let her calf stay with her until you get ready, cause if you separate them now, once she gets over the weaned calf, she will be harder to catch.

good luck,

jt

 

[Texas PaPaw]

For more info do a google search "fenceline weaning"

Regards

Brock

 

[Roadapple]

Have tried the nose flap weaners, look like some torture devise....didb't work the calves soon figure out how to get the teat by turning their head.
The bellering dies down after a couple of days and after two or so months the calves can be run with the mothers. Of coures there are exceptions that have to be seperated until the cow is totally dry and even then there are a few that will stand while the calf tries to suck. Some wean sooner, always exceptions. DMc

Have used 'Quiet Weans" for the last 2 yrs, and as far as I'm concerned it's the only way to wean. I leave them in for 1o day's, separate in lot next to each other, and enjoy the peace and quiet while they go to eating. Out of 40 calves, have 1 or 2 figure out to turn their head to suck, and 1 each yr. to lose the weaner. Never had 1 go off feed or get sick.