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Spring is a busy time with field work, planting, and pasture turnout. Added to an already crowded to-do list is working calves, and for some, branding. Taking some time to assess your processing protocols and minimizing stress can make the task go smoother and leave you with better results.
Before work even begins, inspecting facilities both permanent and temporary for fixes, and evaluating cattle flow, pen size, working areas, etc., can help catch issues before they even surface.
Often times, we bring additional help in to help with branding/processing. While this is a great opportunity to share the values of our industry, clear communication with all involved is important. Setting an expectation of eective (low-stress) cattle handling, including a refresher on basic cattle handling do's and don'ts on your operation. Additionally, briefing on expectations of cattle gathering, sorting and the steps to follow at processing is a good way to ensure everyone is on the same page. Depending on branding methods, discussing the expected branding etiquette can improve the eciency of the day. From the veterinary side, be sure to have an established Veterinary Client Patient Relationship (VCPR). The purpose of the VCPR is for a vet to know the cattle, and the situation, and present health/disease challenges.
Relevant information to examine prior to processing young calves includes current health status of the herd, previous health challenges within the same management and environmental constraints, and operation goals for the vaccination protocol. Your veterinarian has the potential to be your best resource when developing these protocols. One major issue typically observed during calf processing and branding, is mishandling of animal health products, especially vaccines. Best management practices to ensure vaccines work include: When products require mixing, only mix them as needed and not more than one hour prior to administration. The ecacy of the product deteriorates outside of that time frame. Do not over shake, simply swirling the bottle is enough for a good mix.
Keep vaccines protected from the elements. Store them according to the temperature range on the manufacturer label and do not allow them to be exposed to sunlight.
Label syringes and do not allow them to get mixed up. If modified live vaccine is placed into a syringe that previously held killed vaccine and a residue of the killed vaccine is present, it may damage or destroy the modified live vaccine.
Change your needles every time a syringe is refilled. It is recommended to replace needles every 10 15 head. Additionally, by replacing your needle each refill, you ensure you're not contaminating the remainder of the product left in the bottle with a dirty needle.
Give all injections in front of the shoulder in the neck region unless the label specifically advises to administer in a dierent location.
Try to utilize products that are labeled for subcutaneous administration.
When branding, ensure those who are overseeing the placement of the brand are properly trained and competent in the procedure and know what issues or complications to look for when branding. For example, does the person branding understand how long to hold the brand on, how much pressure to use, how to identify a branding iron that is too hot or not hot enough.
Research has shown that stress related to branding calves is correlated more with amount of time separated from the dam, rather than actual method used to complete working calves (i.e., calf table vs. roping methods). With this in mind, if working cows and calves at the same time, it may be best to work cows first and return them to the calves as quickly as possible. Once working calve, the more eciently we can get calves back with their dams, the less stress those calves will experience. Sucient communication between all individuals present will lead to prevention of stress in all areas.
Working calves in the spring can be a long day's work, but with proper communication and planning, we can ensure that our eorts end up with good results.
— Ben Beckman is a beef systems Extension Educator serving northeast Nebraska. He is based out of the Cedar County Extension oce in Hartington. You can reach him by phone: (402) 254-6821 or email: [email protected]
