How to wean a calf from suckling a cow: top 5 methods and tips from veterinarians

Weaning a calf from the udder is a complex process in which a number of important factors must be taken into account. Carrying out this procedure, you need to remember that during such manipulations, young animals experience stress that can affect the development of the animal. However, despite what has been said, there are several options for resolving the issue of how to wean a calf from sucking a cow yourself.

What is it for?

Weaning serves two purposes. This procedure is carried out because while the calf suckles the udder, the total milk yield of the farm falls. This circumstance is disadvantageous for farmers.In addition, the calf needs to switch to dry food over time, since he will not live with the cow all the time.

It should also be taken into account that the quality of milk may change as the young grow older. In this regard, the growing animal will not receive enough nutrients. This procedure is carried out at the age of 3 to 10 months. Most farmers wean calves from mother's milk on the 605th day. The procedure is recommended when the weight of the animal exceeds 10 kilograms.

Preparation of calves for the process

Before starting weaning, it is recommended to perform the following manipulations:

1. Remove antlers and neuter if necessary. Both procedures are easier to perform when the calf is not separated from its mother. Otherwise, due to severe stress, the animal may become ill or lose weight.
2. Allocate a separate room for a cow and a calf in a few weeks.
3. Clean the corral from pollution. This will help to avoid the development of respiratory and other diseases.
4. Gradually introduce complementary foods and water. It is recommended to start with legumes, cereals and concentrated protein.

It is also necessary to carry out the first vaccination of the animal before weaning.

Weaning Methods

The weaning method is selected taking into account the conditions of detention and the capabilities of the farm owner. Certain difficulties arise when this procedure is carried out in relation to young animals that are bottle-fed.

Traditional

The traditional weaning method involves the procedure in several stages:

1. The right day is being chosen. It is recommended to carry out the procedure in the warm season.
2. Placing several drinkers and food containers in a convenient location.
3. All adult cows are gradually transferred to a new pen (no more than 1-2 animals per day).
4. Closing the calf pen.

This practice does not affect the herd in any way. Traditional weaning is easy because the calves always leave the pen behind the cows. However, young animals need 3-4 days to get used to the new conditions.

Natural

This method does not involve human intervention. The calf stops suckling for natural reasons. However, this requires the cow to become pregnant again. An adult animal repels the young after calving. The advantages of this method include the fact that the calves remain in the herd.The rest of the animals help the young to socialize and become independent from the mother.

The disadvantage of this method is that the cow does not have time to recover between births and after lactation. Because of this, milk yield and animal weight are reduced.

Weaning "through the fence"

This weaning is carried out according to the scenario of the traditional method. But in this case, calves and cows are located in adjacent pens so that the young cannot suck out milk. With this approach, the animals are not separated from each other. The whole herd continues to "communicate" (sniff each other, etc.).

Young animals get used to new living conditions within 3-4 days. After that, the calves begin to lose interest in the mother, switching to silage and other complementary foods.

With a nose ring

The essence of this method is that the farmer needs to make a muzzle in the form of a ring with pointed spikes.This design is temporarily attached to the nose of young animals. Weaning in this case occurs at the initiative of the mother: an adult cow will repel children with each feeding, as they scratch the udder with a muzzle. The procedure takes 1-2 weeks. During this time, the young are gradually getting used to feeding on grass and drinking water.

Moreover, there is no stress, since the animal is constantly next to the mother.

Feeding Methods

Udder weaning in artificial feeding begins long before the animal switches to hay. Between the farmer who gives milk and the young, a psychological connection is established over time at the level of "mother-child". At the onset of 3-4 months, the livestock owner should gradually dilute the artificial feed with water or reduce the number of servings daily (less successful).

Carrying out the described manipulations, it is necessary to ensure constant access to hay and mineral supplements. You also need to regularly replenish the water in the cup.

What do veterinarians advise?

For normal development and calm weaning it is important:

1. Keep pens clean and change bedding on time.
2. Regularly monitor the weight of animals.
3. Establish a strong barrier between mother and child before weaning begins. Cows in the first 5 days tend to return to the calf.
4. Reduce stress factors.

According to veterinarians, the best option would be weaning with a nose ring. In this case, both the cow and the calf are weaned at the same time. This option is especially relevant for primiparous animals.

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