Preconditioning is part of the program we use with our cattle. This is a small group of some of the early calves this year. The photo doesn't really do them justice.
When we wean the calves, we run them through the processing chute, use an endectocide on them (a pour-on de-"bug"-er), implant steers, put an ear tag in if it hasn't already been done and then we put them into what we call our weaning pen where they have access to fresh, clean hay and water and receive a supplement which you see them eating in the photo above. The pen has a good net wire fence around it inside the barbed wire. It is adjacent to the area we call "the trap" which is centrally located on our place and is where the cattle come to water from the different grazing paddocks that radiate from it. This allows for fence line weaning of the calves -- they can see and talk to Momma, but can't get to her to nurse.
After the calves have been weaned for two weeks we run them back through the processing chute and give them their first round of vaccinations consisting of a modified live 5-way viral shot plus Mannheimia haemolytica which is one of the pathogens causing bacterial pneumonia. We also give them an 8-way Clostridial vaccine plus Haemophilus somnus. It covers a number of other diseases to which the calves will likely be exposed in time. Then, according to the label directions, we will revaccinate the calves a few weeks later for the same pathogens in order to ensure their immune system is reacting properly.
The reason for delaying the first round of vaccines is to allow the calves time to get over the stress of weaning and adjusted to their new environment away from their mother. When an animal -- or, human for that matter -- is stressed, their immune system is not working properly and often will not mount a proper immune response to the vaccine.
Another thing that happens with how we handle our calves is that they become habituated to going through the processing chute. Each trip through becomes smoother until the calves almost flow through on their own. This is important for reducing their stress response and it makes them easier for the next owner to handle.
We use a low-stress handling technique and our facility is set up on a "Bud Box" design. It is built to accommodate their natural behavior to the extent possible. This further helps to keep the stress levels down so the cattle remain healthy and able to respond properly to the vaccination regimen.
My goal here isn't to talk about our processing system as much as it is to talk about how 1) we believe it is our responsibility to handle the animals in our care with the best possible methods which are scientifically proven, 2) we believe it is important that we prepare the animals for their next owner so they have the best chance of being successful with them as they are co-mingled with other cattle (like sending your kids to school for the first time) and 3) we believe in doing the best job we can as stewards of the resources placed within our care.
Folks living in the city often get the impression that the people who raise their food are just a bunch of "hicks" who know nothing, abuse the land and are the primary cause of global warming. They need to understand that isn't the case. Our cattle operation complements the natural environment in ways that it would take "reams of electrons" to explain. The land is well-maintained, wildlife are abundant and the water resources are protected by grasses and trees which filter the runoff. The animals we raise are also handled with respect for the consumer who wants a consistent, quality product that they know is safe for their family to consume.
Some might say providing food for people is a heavy responsibility. We think it is a privilege. We do everything we can to do it well.
No comments:
Post a Comment