Low Stress Weaning

Written By: Nadine Wohlgemuth, DVM

The most common methods producers use to wean calves would be cold weaning (calves are removed from dam and placed in an unknown pen to the calf ie. Feedlot) or fence-line weaning (calves are removed from the dam and placed in a pen that allows contact between cows and calves through a fence). Low-stress weaning or quiet weaning is a two-step weaning technique that is practiced less commonly but is a very effective, healthy way to wean calves. It has been gaining popularity in the beef industry in the last few years.

There are three important things to remember about quiet weaning that a producer should consider before choosing this method. Firstly, it requires two handlings of the calves. The first to insert the nose flaps and the second to remove the nose flap. I would also recommend, that during the first trip through the chute the calves receive their pre-weaning vaccinations and deworming at this time as well. This allows for the calf to mount an adequate immune response to the vaccines administered prior to weaning. The nose flaps are quick and easy to put in. The quiet weaner allows the calf to remain with the cow for a few days but it is unable to nurse. It is recommended the flaps are left in for 4-7 days. If the flaps are left longer than 7 days start to have increased incidence of lost nose tags and calves that figure out how to suck around the weaner. At our farm we typically see a 2-6% loss rate on the nose flaps. It is somewhat dependent on the type of pasture/feeding system we use. We do find we lose a few more flaps during years that we feed the calves in bunks while the flaps are in. Would not recommend less than 4 days for the flaps to be in as this seems to be the minimum time required to break the cow-calf nursing bond. The nose flaps are reusable and just require cleaning with soap and water to get them ready for the following year.

After removing the quiet weans the calves must be immediately separated from the cow. Ideally, if the calves can have access to the pen they will be weaned into after the nose flaps are removed, it allows them to have found feed and water prior to weaning, further reducing stress. It is beneficial for the cows and calves to have fence line contact for a few days post removing the flaps. Calves can still see their “mom” but the nursing bond has been broken. We find that our cows still return to their calves for 2-3 days. The cows are stressed about the calves being removed but our calves are very quiet and relaxed. Studies have shown that calves weaned by this process spend 25% more time eating and 95% less time bawling. Traditionally weaned calves will pace up to 25 miles a day and low-stress weaned calves pace up to 15 miles less than these calves! Quiet weans also significantly reduces respiratory illness post weaning.

The last thing a producer must remember when using the quiet weans is that the calves have physical contact with their mother’s but they are unable to nurse, therefore the calves will require adequate nutrition from other sources. The calves should either have access to good quality grass or be fed a good quality ration for the duration the quiet weans are in. As well, calves should have access to a clean water source.

Low-stress weaning may seem like a huge undertaking to try on your whole herd the first year. If you wanted to start with a small group – choose your show calves or your bull calves to try it on first. You will be impressed with how easy these calves wean and how they maintain their weaning weight!