In an ongoing series of studies, researchers at Texas A&M and West Texas A&M have presented a convincing case that shipping and receiving stress cause calves to lose the “antioxidant” vitamins E and A. Antioxidants have also been shown to be important components of a healthy immune system in human medicine.
Fenceline weaning and self-fed supplements: A solution to calf stress
A weaning practice that has received increased attention both in terms of research and producer experience is fenceline weaning. It’s a simple process: calves and cows are separated but can still go nose-to-nose and see, hear and smell one another.
Manage to reduce weaning stress
Research suggests some non-traditional approaches can help reduce weaning stress. Studies at University of California at Davis compared weaning seven-month old calves by one of five methods:
Beating Disease-Causing Stress Through Supplemental Nutrition
The value of nutrition in combating disease-causing stress that newly received feeder cattle must overcome has been reinforced by several recent research studies.
Boosting the Immune System to Fight Stress
Research continues to draw the connection between mineral status and immune-system response to keep feeder calves healthy and growing. Now, three recent trials on over 1,000 calves demonstrate that connection in the field.
