Weaning cattle is a fun time on ranching operations. The calves you’ve worked so hard to raise are ready to go either to the feedlot or to market. It’s a rewarding time both mentally and financially.
For those of you with 35-year-old children still living at home, you’ll find the concept of weaning very useful.
“Weaning” in the livestock world is a very necessary part of the production process. When calves get big enough to fend for themselves they are separated from the mamma cows. Each ranch weans at different times according to what works best for their cattle. This is usually between 6-9 months. A lot of bawling and hollering ensues from the calves and cows. A sad sight to see (and a sad chorus to hear), but the crying must be endured because weaning is good and necessary for the cattle.
It’s important to wean calves to reduce stress on the mother cow. Weaning allows the cow’s body to transfer the nutrition that was used for milk production back to normal body functions. This improves her condition and gets her ready for the next calf.
If you’ve just GOT to know more about weaning, here’s a great in-depth article. If you have no idea what some of the terminology means…well, too bad. Naw, just kidding. We won’t leave you in the dark. You can ask questions in the comment section below or on the RealRanchers Facebook page.
From RealRancher Heather Hamilton – Lance Creek, WY
I suspect weaning 35-year-old children still living at home is far more difficult and results in horrible bellowing and bawling. Not that I would know.