Weaner cattle need their own trainer

The most common weaning method in the United States beef industry is the abrupt removal of calves from cows at 5 to 8 months of age. Natural weaning in beef cattle, however, occurs later in life for a calf at 7 to 14 months of age. The immediate cessation of milk supply and complete maternal separation causes calves to exhibit stereotypical behaviors such as walking and vocalizing at weaning, which can negatively affect growth rate and contribute to the onset of diseases like bovine respiratory disease (BVD). The use of a trainer cow or social facilitator has been proposed as one method to reduce negative stereotypical weaning behaviors such as walking and increase calf eating behavior during weaning. –Ohio State University Beef Cattle Letter Read more…