Text-only version of System Elements:
People
For cow-calf producers, weaning can be a very labour intensive process. Both cows and calves frequently pace and vocalize after separation, which means weaning time can be very noisy and stressful for people too.
Goals
Calves need to be weaned off of their mothers’ milk and learn to eat and drink on their own. Ideally, the calves are given enough of an adjustment period so that the experience is not as stressful as an abrupt weaning process, in which they are separated from their mothers and shipped to auction or feedlot immediately afterwards. Cows generally remain on the cow-calf ranch to raise the next year’s calves, but the calves will be moved to new homes to grow and put on weight.
Infrastructure
To allow an adjustment period for the calves (i.e., two-stage weaning), the ranch requires enough facilities to house the calves and cows separately. For instance, additional fence-lines would be required for fence-line weaning.
Economics
Preconditioning and two-stage weaning take extra time, labor, and infrastructure. This extra expense on the cow-calf producer does not necessarily equate to a higher valued product, and they may not see a financial return for these practices. Without this economic incentive there is often little motivation (or financial feasibility) for cow-calf producers to perform preconditioning activities.
Regulations
There are no regulatory requirements with regards to weaning.
Environment
Newly weaned calves need to have access to clean food and water, and have access to shelter from the elements.
Culture
Abrupt weaning is a common traditional practice. Producers need good reasons to change practices that they’ve used for years.
Technology
One example of technology in this area is the QuietWean nose paddle, which allows for two-stage weaning without requiring extra infrastructure.
Processes
Some of the processes that can be used include two stage weaning and low-stress animal handling techniques, like the one shown in the video below. Efficient and Novel Method for Sorting Cow-Calf Pairs
