Cow-calf producers can use a range of weaning methods. While each method has pros and cons, not all benefit the calf and cow both.
Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, Oklahoma State University extension beef cattle specialist and veterinary clinical sciences associate professor, explains how fence-line weaning benefits both the cow and calf, what makes the setup successful, and how to avoid costly pre-weaning pitfalls.
The fence-line weaning method separates the cow and calf by a fence for seven to 10 days, allowing them to remain in each other’s line of sight to create a transition period during weaning.
Mutual Benefits: Reducing Stress for Both Cow and Calf
Biggs prefers the fence-line method to the “traditional cold turkey” or the abrupt weaning approach.
“There are some studies that would support the fence-line weaned calves are around 20 lb. heavier than those that are abruptly weaned.”
Overall, the calves’ ability to see the cows reduces stress on all cattle involved. A challenge producers may see is a lack of facilities that allows them to separate their cows and calves. Producers must ensure their perimeter is durable. Biggs emphasizes it is important to have a barrier that keeps the pair completely separated — one that doesn’t allow a calf to nurse through the fence, or a strong cow to push the fence down.
Fence-line weaning benefits cows by lowering stress on them as well. Biggs has observed that within 24 to 48 hours the cows lose interest in the calves and walk away from the fence line.
Three Pillars of a Successful Fence-Line Setup
Fence-line weaning takes more than a fence or panels separating the calves and cows and there is more than one setup that makes the method successful.
- Secure fencing. “I’ve seen a variety of setups work, but you really need to have secure fencing,” Biggs says adding, electric fence can work if it is stout and the cattle respect it.
There is not a “one-size-fits-all” answer to the type of fence that can be used; however, it must ensure the strict separation of calves and cows. - Access to nutrition. On both sides of the separating fence there needs to be watering and feeding opportunities. Depending on the specific setup, hauling water might be necessary and an additional obstacle. Biggs recommends easing the adjustment to weaning by letting cows show their calves where the water and feed bunks are before they are officially separated.
- Adequate space. Biggs stresses adequate space on both sides of the fence for the cattle to feed, drink and move around is also essential.
Proactive Pre-Weaning Preparations
There is not a universal approach to pre-weaning vaccinations. Biggs has her preferences — one set of vaccinations around branding time, so at three to four months of age, and another round of vaccinations one month before weaning.
“That’s the ideal situation,” she explains. “That may not be practical for a number of reasons. And so, we may need to modify that, we may need to get them weaned and then process them after that for a second set of vaccinations, for instance.”
Biggs specifically mentions working cattle when labor is available does not always align with the ideal vaccination plan. Observing manufacturing labels and the directions of local veterinarians are important factors whenever administering medicine, adds Biggs.
There is no cookie-cutter approach to the vaccines all producers should administer and asking a trusted veterinarian is best, encourages Biggs.
“Core vaccines that I like to see in calves, at least in this part of the country, (protect against) respiratory viruses. So, IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV, and then like blackleg vaccinations as well,” she explains. “If I’m developing a set of heifers, I may want to add some things on there as well, versus my steers. Depending on my castration choice I may want to add tetanus to my blackleg as well.”
Assessing the particular risk for any given operation in a geographic area and asking a veterinarian the best approach is Biggs’ recommendation.
High-Stress Pitfalls to Avoid During Weaning
Even small adjustments can make the weaning process easier on calves. These avoided practices can be beneficial for all weaning methods. Most importantly, don’t add unnecessary stress.
Fence-line weaning is beneficial because it lowers the stress of calves while weaning. Producers should avoid adding stress immediately before weaning.
Biggs gives examples of how to avoid added stress: “We don’t want to be processing calves; castration, dehorning, vaccinating and then immediately fence-line weaning. That’s not ideal at all.”
Another stress-inducing practice to avoid is turning freshly removed calves out on a new pasture or lot in the dark. Whether the producers are abrupt weaning or done with the seven-to-10-day fence-line weaning period, hauling calves to an unfamiliar pasture too close to dusk forces them to navigate new surroundings in the dark — causing them to stress and pace through the night. Biggs says adequate time for the calves to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings is an easy way to avoid unnecessary stress.
The Bottom Line: Economic Advantages of a Gradual Transition
The most important factor while weaning is the reduction of stress on all cattle involved. Fence-line weaning is a gradual approach that allows a transition time before calves are completely independent.
Aside from continual weight gain and disease or infection avoidance, the fence-line approach also has financial benefits.
Biggs points out that logistics and labor play a major role in the financial viability of weaning. If a producer lacks the labor or trailer capacity to immediately haul a split herd to different locations for abrupt weaning, fence-line weaning offers a highly practical, low-labor alternative right on-site.
By evaluating labor, reinforcing facilities and planning vaccinations in advance, fence-line weaning can serve as a highly practical tool to protect both a producer’s herd health and their bottom line.
