I don't know how you have found it, but weaning is quite often associated with being a stressful time for both mother and child.
Today I wanted to take you behind the scenes here at Regenerative Farms, and share how we have rectified the problem and show how wean our cattle.
To make the process peaceful, we have discovered is this little device called a “Quiet Weaning Ring”.
It just slips into their nose, causing no discomfort.
Like wearing a bracelet, you forget you have it on after 30 seconds.
Same with the weaning ring. The calves completely forget they are wearing it plus it doubles as a great fashion accessory.
This little flap of plastic pushes the teat away from the reach of the calf and ‘cuts of’ access to milk. Because both mum and calf can still be together there is no distress at all. In fact the mum is probably relieved and the calf does not have to make huge adjustments as it already happily eats grass.
After 5 days we can then separate the mum and calf into different paddocks with no bawling, mooing or climbing fences. Everyone is completely happy.
It requires extra effort and handling on our part, but it is worth it when you know there is such little distress for both mum and calf.
If only human weaning was so “quiet”.
Wishing you a peaceful day :),
Farmer Steph
