Author: Jeffrey Lehmkuhler
Planning Unit: Animal and Food Sciences
Major Program: Beef
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
Two farms were identified to demonstrate the utilization of temporary electrified fencing systems to wean beef calves prior to marketing. The farms were located in Clark and Mason counties. It is often the case that calves are sold without being weaned. Calves marketed directly after removal from their dams undergo tremendous stress associated with dam separation, transportation, handling at market places and commingling. Lack of weaning on farms in many cases is due to a lack of permanent pens or paddocks deemed capable of retaining calves in a defined area from dams. The goal of these demonstrations was to analyze the feasibility of weaning calves on-farm using temporary electrified fencing to build weaning pens. Temporary electric poly-wire was used to subdivide a pasture that separated the cows from the weaned calves for 4-6 days during the weaning transition. The producers, ANR agents, and UK Extension Specialists worked together to implement the on-farm demos. The behaviors of the cows and calves were monitored using game cameras, capturing pictures every few minutes to document activity. The producers involved were very pleased with the outcome of the demonstration. One producer noted, “they (cows and calves) appeared to be less stressed and were able to easily and quickly adjust to their new situation. I will definitely wean calves next year using this method.” Market data indicates that weaned calves are valued higher at time of marketing than unweaned calves. These demonstrations will allow these and other producers to capture increased value of marketed calves in the future without investing significant money into permanent infrastructure.
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