Page 331 - The Welfare of Cattle

308 the WeLfare of CattLe

two, and then one feeding per day. Another method is to maintain the same frequency of feeding
but dilute the milk with water. In one study, gradually weaned dairy calves (by diluting milk with
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water) consumed more solid feed than abruptly weaned calves during weeks 5–8. However, there
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was no difference in weight gain between calves gradually weaned and abruptly weaned calves.
Surprisingly, calves weaned gradually by diluting milk with water continued to drink milk even at
100% dilution with no behavioral signs such as increased vocalization associated with abrupt wean-
14
ing. These studies suggest gradual weaning using various methods might be effective in reducing
distress associated with weaning in dairy calves.
Weaning in beef calves is commonly abrupt. Some strategies have been recommended to reduce
the stress associated with weaning in beef calves. One method involves separating the cow–calf
pairs through a fence for several days before final separation to allow partial contact while pre-
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venting nursing by the calf. Another method is the use of nose flaps which prevent the calf from
nursing while the calf remains with the cow. In one study, calves with nose flaps exhibited less
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vocalization, spent more time eating and laying down than calves that were separated abruptly.
However, calves with nose flaps had lower weight gain and potentially had undesirable welfare
concerns due to frustration as they unsuccessfully made attempts to nurse with the nose flaps. In
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summary, the weaning methods in beef calves might depend on the goals of the producers, space,
and labor availability.

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