Soft wean first attempt

[Jockers84]

Had been meaning to use this technique for a few years now but was never getting around to it. Made point of it this year as I’m struggling for space due to parks being too wet to put the mothers out just yet. Bought so clips from the internet and fitted them on Friday, was going well, haven’t lost any yet. However….. I’ve a clever AA x herf that has sussed out how to beat the paddle/blocker, it simply turns its head sidewards to grab the teat too clever for its own good. All the rest have settled down and the mothers seem to be through the discomfort of not being sucked. Just though it’s ping that up here, see if it’s a common issue??? Have never heard of it before but having witnessed it, well it seems pretty simple and obvious.

 

[Woolless]

I had one or two fall out but I wasn't aware of any calves managing to get round the nose clip. Top tip is to cable tie the clip to keep it tight in their nose, if that is a problem. Got that from someone on here.

I am late to wean this year, so I just went straight to fence line weaning. The cows are still on the clarty hole of a a sacrifice field. The calves are next door on a nice pick of grass, separated by a fence topped with a hot wire. A bit of noise but nothing major.

 

[Jockers84]

I had one or two fall out but I wasn't aware of any calves managing to get round the nose clip. Top tip is to cable tie the clip to keep it tight in their nose, if that is a problem. Got that from someone on here.

I am late to wean this year, so I just went straight to fence line weaning. The cows are still on the clarty hole of a a sacrifice field. The calves are next door on a nice pick of grass, separated by a fence topped with a hot wire. A bit of noise but nothing major.

Cheers, ones here are very tight, was a struggle getting them in place but haven’t lost any yet.
Spoke with a farm along road today, they’d seen a twin calf that had sussed out how to bypass the nose clip and latch on. Will punt the calfs out to a drier park with a bit of shelter next week, they’ve decent coats on them from outside feed barriers over the winter. Cows will be inside a while yet, made a hellish mess at the start of the winter.