Fence Line Weaning of Calves Andy Harrison Lowndes

Common Practices Separate calves from mothers Put in secure pen Pull off cows and

Disadvantages Calves bawling Mama cows bawling Stress on both Loss of gain by calves

Fence Line Weaning Univ. of Missouri – – Less stressful for cow or calf

Fence Line Weaning Calves stand next to fence within eye site and smell of

Fence Line Weaning If weaned on early summer grazing such as Bermuda or millet,

Considerations Do you have lot or area to separate that can be adjacent to

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Fence Line Weaning of Calves Andy Harrison Lowndes High School March 22, 2005

Common Practices Separate calves from mothers Put in secure pen Pull off cows and direct to sale Usually keep heifers

Disadvantages Calves bawling Mama cows bawling Stress on both Loss of gain by calves - $$$ Stress induced disease If penned, calves must be full fed grain or hay- $

Fence Line Weaning Univ. of Missouri – – Less stressful for cow or calf – Less expensive for producer Need strong fence – At least two strands electric wire – Woven fence, field fence

Fence Line Weaning Calves stand next to fence within eye site and smell of cow Process shown to take 48 to 72 hours Normal process 7 – 10 days when completely separated - old system Calves will leave fence area and start grazing within about 48 hours Bawled less

Fence Line Weaning If weaned on early summer grazing such as Bermuda or millet, little supplement needed to gain 1 – 2 # per day. Calves fence line weaned gained 23 lbs. more than fully separated calves. 10 weeks after weaning, fence line calves still maintained 26 lb. advantage over separated calves.

Considerations Do you have lot or area to separate that can be adjacent to pasture for cows. Quality of fence Type of grazing and quality Vaccinations – boosters $$$ - 23 lbs x $1. 20 / lb = $28 increase value for holding 2 weeks