Weaning has reached its final stages with the last group almost halfway through the process. It generally takes six days to complete. Cows are locked on to slats with calves having access to grass through a creep gate. This allows them to wander off on their own away from the cows with the incentive of grass and a small quantity of meal. The heifers will get another few weeks at grass depending on weather conditions. They will be fed in the collecting yard, so that they will associate that area with a positive experience. This is to make them easier to work with in the long term. As I do the majority of cattle work on my own, this is extremely beneficial. They will be weighed early this week and hopefully the older ones will be at least 370kg.
Being able to work the heifers through the yard will have a big influence on their future in the herd. Regardless of genetics, if a heifer acts up too much in comparison with her comrades, she won’t be retained as a cow. If she is going to be in the herd for eight or 10 years, I don’t want cows that will stop in gateways or jump around and cause a fuss every time they need to be yarded. The last number of years have seen a greater focus on temperament of the females within the herd. It is the number one reason for culling at this stage. The upside to this is a herd that is easier and safer to work with.
I don’t know if other farmers are the same, but I have noticed over the last few years the heifers are always the loudest when it comes to weaning.
ADVERTISEMENT
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
Weaning has reached its final stages with the last group almost halfway through the process. It generally takes six days to complete. Cows are locked on to slats with calves having access to grass through a creep gate. This allows them to wander off on their own away from the cows with the incentive of grass and a small quantity of meal. The heifers will get another few weeks at grass depending on weather conditions. They will be fed in the collecting yard, so that they will associate that area with a positive experience. This is to make them easier to work with in the long term. As I do the majority of cattle work on my own, this is extremely beneficial. They will be weighed early this week and hopefully the older ones will be at least 370kg.
Being able to work the heifers through the yard will have a big influence on their future in the herd. Regardless of genetics, if a heifer acts up too much in comparison with her comrades, she won’t be retained as a cow. If she is going to be in the herd for eight or 10 years, I don’t want cows that will stop in gateways or jump around and cause a fuss every time they need to be yarded. The last number of years have seen a greater focus on temperament of the females within the herd. It is the number one reason for culling at this stage. The upside to this is a herd that is easier and safer to work with.
I don’t know if other farmers are the same, but I have noticed over the last few years the heifers are always the loudest when it comes to weaning.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS