Minimizing cows’ stress when calves were early weaned using the two-step method with nose flaps

Abstract

Early weaning may be used in beef cattle production to improve reproduction rates in range conditions. However, weaning causes a stress response in cows, which may be especially strong in early weaning management, as the bond between the cow and the calf is still strong. We hypothesized that weaning calves in two steps, with the aid of anti-sucking devices (nose flaps) would reduce the behavioural stress response in the cows separated from their calves 2 months after parturition. We compared the behaviour frequency and weight change in cows that were weaned abruptly, by separation of the calf on day 0 of the study, or in two steps, consisting of the use of anti-sucking nose flaps for 5 days before permanent separation; a third group was not weaned to serve as control. Thirty-six crossbred multiparous Aberdeen Angus × Hereford cows and their calves (n = 12/treatment) were managed in three paddocks with similar pasture availability, with four dyads from each treatment per paddock. Cows' behaviour was observed by direct visual instantaneous sampling, at 10 min intervals from days −3 to 11. Weaning the calves in two steps clearly attenuated the behavioural stress response observed in abruptly weaned cows, which included reductions in grazing and lying, and increases in pacing, walking and vocalizing. Our results corroborate those previously shown for cows nursing older calves, and indicate that step weaning can reduce the behavioural stress response of cows at weaning, even when the calf is weaned shortly after birth, when the bond between the cow and calf is still very strong.

Effects of Separation of Cows and Calves on Reproductive Performance and Animal Welfare in Tropical Beef Cattle

“…The management practice of temporal weaning applied to calves early in life (i.e., 25–45 days old), can prove impractical under extensive range conditions due to the cost of supplementary fodder for calves because at this age they depend on milk or milk substitutes to survive, in addition to the continuous management required and concerns for the health of the animal. Furthermore, stress in cows and calves might be especially high when calves are separated early in life from their mothers, as the bond between them is still very tight [77]. Young calves particularly are more socially dependent upon their dam [78].…”

Cow-calf management practices in Mexico: Reproduction and breeding

“…Reports show that separation stress is reduced when nose plates, rings or flaps are used, since calves remain in the company of their dams. 18 Also, the negative effects on the immune response and weight loss of the calf that generally ensue an abrupt weaning practice are minimized. 19 Further, the use of nose flaps helps to maintain a higher BCS in the cows, which improves their reproductive efficiency.…”

Efecto del amamantamiento restringido y complementación alimenticia sobre el peso y cortisol en becerros Simbrah

“…La separación temporal o permanente del becerro, con fines de destete o mejora productiva, lo afecta debido a la pérdida o ausencia de la madre, el acceso a la ubre para consumir leche, así como debido a cambios en la dieta, en la estructura social y entorno físico, que alteran su bienestar físico, fisiológico y de comportamiento (14,24). Para determinar el efecto de esos cambios, se han propuesto indicadores que miden el estado de bienestar animal, reflejado directamente en el estrés que experimenta el becerro durante su proceso productivo, y que alteran la concentración plasmática de cortisol, el ritmo cardiaco, la temperatura corporal y locomoción (2,10,24).…”

“…Esto es, las crías deben ser complementadas con alimento acorde a su etapa fisiológica, facilitando su adaptación al cambio de dieta (leche-alimento sólido). Al mismo tiempo, se deben utilizar indicadores de bienestar animal, que permitan conocer el nivel de estrés que las crías experimentan durante el crecimiento, para reducir el estrés y hacerla más productiva (10,14).…”