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Learned sumthin new...

Jassy

Well-known member
Our neighbor is trying these nose tags (Blags ?) during his weaning process. He was told by his nutritionist that this way is less stress on the calves, even though they can't suck, they're still with their mothers for the 10 days. I am wondering though, that when they finally do separate the cows from calves, aren't they gonna get stressed? I'm anxious to see if the neighbors feel this works for them. Has anyone ever used these nose tags?

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Kato

Well-known member
We've used them on the occasional late calf that doesn't get weaned with the herd.

We think they do cut down the stress. After that amount of time the cow has dried up, and they have both lost a lot of interest in each other. The cows especially, just walk away and don't look back. The calves are OK with it as long as they have their buddies to keep them company.
 

the_jersey_lilly_2000

Well-known member
We've used em on a few replacement heifers that we've kept. that thought they should go back to suckin after they've been weaned. Ours aren't the plastic kind, ours are made outta tin, and have sharp pointy things on em.....They sure are funny to watch when ya first put em in, then turn em loose.
 

cowsense

Well-known member
Jassy; The "kant suck" nose guards were developed by Dr. Joe Stookey DVM at the U of Sask. as an affordable. readily available alternative to the more expensive old fashioned weaning devices that Jersey Lily mentions.
Stookey specializes in animal behaviour and is always looking at ways of reducing livestock stress. The tags have worked well in field trials and usually have resulted in healthier calves going on feed with less sickness and shrink. Producers that have tried them feel that there is a definate advantage over traditional weaning. The tags are usually put in when the calves receive their preconditioning shots to eliminate an extra trip through the chute.
 

Northern Rancher

Well-known member
If your calves are out grazing and you get some snow-they'll ball up with ice and give them some sore noses. They worked ok the couple times we used them.
 

OldDog/NewTricks

Well-known member
Years ago I bought a Angus Bull that the breeder had Shown, as a yearling he had been on a Holstein Nurse cow... My friend brought over 2 three titted Holstein nurse cows he was raising calves on,

My Bull had the best of both worlds _ Sex and Milk _ what a sight _ 2500# Bull nursing
I used the metal one on him _ They work...
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
the_jersey_lilly_2000 said:
We've used em on a few replacement heifers that we've kept. that thought they should go back to suckin after they've been weaned. Ours aren't the plastic kind, ours are made outta tin, and have sharp pointy things on em.....They sure are funny to watch when ya first put em in, then turn em loose.

Once in awhile when we'd end up with a yearling bull that wanted to start sucking again- or a heifer-- we'd make one out of an old coffee can...Cut the metal the shape to hang over the nose- and stick some holes in it with a "church key" beer can opener- so the points point in- and fasten it by poking a sharpened heavy wire thru the center of their nose...

Few weeks of wearing that and getting poked good everytime they try to suck usually weaned them....
 

Jassy

Well-known member
Thanks everyone for all the info...interesting.
Apparently they are not popular here in the sandhills, cause we haven't seen them before...guess we need to get out more..lol I hope they work for the neighbors cause they did their whole herd of calves!
 

High Plains

Well-known member
I think those blabs are starting to catch some traction with people, I've seen 'em used in the Nebraska hills. They do reduce the stress and bawling of traditional weaning. The benefit comes through with the health and all associated post-weaning advantages. Between the blabs and fenceline weaning, folks are starting to pay attention. The only real drawback with the blabs is that some calves will lose them. Of course, you've got to take them out. Otherwise, you can use them over and over.

But in this day and age, anything that makes calves wean easier and stay healthy is a pretty good deal.

HP
 

rancherfred

Well-known member
We used them one year and weren't particularly impressed. We put them in for ten days to two weeks. When we weaned the calves we sure couldn't see that there was any less bawling or walking the fence. In addition we had a BUNCH of calves with bloody noses. We had borrowed them from some folks that run a lot more cattle than we do and they seem to like them. They have used them for several years but I don't think they used them this year.

These are a few pictures of our calves three years ago when we used them.

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