MOST spring-calving herds will be weaning calves within the next 60 days. That usually means about three nights of poor sleep for man and beast while cows and calves bawl in protest. In a Texas study, Stephen F. Austin State University researchers reported there are "behavioral and physiological responses (to abrupt separation weaning) indicative of distress that are unfavorable to beef production and animal welfare." In other words, the cows are upset; the calves are upset; the operator can't sleep;and it's not good for anyone!In this study, four methods were compared in a crossbred beef herd. Four days before weaning, one calf group was fitted with antisuckling devices (two-stage system) while remaining with their mothers. At weaning, the devices were removed.
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