Cooperative Extension Service
Departments
Administration
Agriculture Special Programs - Fence-line Weaning
1) TITLE OF FOCUS PROGRAM:
Fence-line Weaning
2) SITUATION AND PRIORITIES:
Weaning management in beef cattle is typically
accompanied by physical separation of the cow and calf,
termination of milk feeding, and often a change in solid feed
and living environment. These changes can result in both
behavioral and physiological indices of distress. For most
cow-calf producers in Arkansas, weaning includes elimination of
the calf/dam bond by physically separating the calf so that the
cow and calf cannot see one another. Research indicates that
there is a 23 pound increase in fence-line weaned calves vs.
conventionally weaned calves, which in today’s market, amounts
to $23 per calf. This increase in weight gain is attributed to
the reduction of physiological stress when using the fence-line
method.
Because beef cattle are located in every county in Arkansas,
the number of counties that could participate in fence-line
weaning is 75. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that 12 to 15
demonstrations would be manageable.
3) GOAL(S) OF THE PROGRAM:
The goal of this project is to demonstrate the benefits in
calf weight gain associated with reduced weaning stress using
fence-line weaning management.
4) OBJECTIVE(S):
The objective of this focus program is to demonstrate that
fence-line contact between beef calves and cows at weaning
reduces indices of behavioral distress and associated temporary
reduction in weight gain.
5) FACULTY IN CHARGE BY OBJECTIVE:
Program Associate position
Mr. John Richeson
Dr. Shane Gadberry
Dr. Brett Barham
Dr. John Jennings
Dr. Dennis Gardisser
VI. OUTPUTS (for each objective):
Demonstrations:
Calves must be initially vaccinated and dewormed prior to and
boostered at or prior to weaning following labeled protocols.
Upon weaning, fence-line weaned calves will be placed on
pasture adjacent to their dams and conventionally weaned calves
will be relocated to a non-adjacent pasture or dry lot. Dry lot
calves must be fed a diet (hay and supplement) designed to be of
similar dietary quality as the fence-line calves consuming
forage.
Pasture for fence-line weaned calves must be managed in a
manner that forage quality or quantity does not result in
undesirable weight gains. Utilization of new growth, top grazing
stockpiled forages, and mixed grass and clover stands should be
encouraged. Fertility management according to Extension
recommendations must be followed. Supplements may be offered
when forage conditions appear to be undesirable.
In-Service Trainings:
An in-service training will be conducted to introduce the
Fence-line Weaning focus program and to provide training in
installing and maintaining electric fence. This training could
be conducted in cooperation with other focus program trainings.
Support Materials: (Fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations,
demonstration signs, seed, etc.)
A fact sheet on fence-line weaning based upon the
demonstration activities and results will be completed.
A PowerPoint presentation to complement the fact sheet will be
prepared.
Demonstration signs will be prepared.
Media Packets:
News articles will be written to describe the focus program and
results.
Meeting Support:
Other:
VII. OUTCOMES EXPECTED (for each objective):
Number of producers changing their weaning practices.
VIII. TARGET AUDIENCE(S):
Cow-calf producers of all sizes
IX. (A) SPECIALIST ROLE: Schedule and conduct fence-line
in-service training. Assist the agent in the implementation and data
collection of the focus program.
(B) AGENT ROLE: Work with producers on implementing the focus
program properly and to aid in the collection of data.
(C) DISTRICT DIRECTOR ROLE: Support fence-line weaning focus
program.
(D) UNIT HEAD ROLE: None
X. EVALUATION METHODS PLANNED:
Cost, returns and gain performance from conventional weaning
vs. fence-line weaning will be collected and compared. Cost
items include initial calf value, cost of establishing and
fertilizing forages used specifically for fence-line weaning,
forage costs, feed cost, medicine costs, etc.
XI. RESOURCES REQUIRED:
Electric fencing kits - $6,000 (12 kits at $500)
Forage test to determine the pasture quality that the calves
would be grazing - $200
XII. LIST OF DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED:
Animal Science
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
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