Watch For Signs Of Stress In Your Cattle

Livestock producers will tell you that cattle, regardless of breed, can be fickle animals.  Dr. David Shirbroun, Professional Services Veterinarian at Boehringer Ingelheim said one thing often overlooked is the stress cattle endure.  He noted that as prey, cattle are creatures of habit, and what we see as small changes can trigger stress.  Shirbroun said whether it’s weaning, being transported, stressors can make cattle sick in just a matter of days.  His advice, try to spread out those stresses as much as possible.

“In the past a lot of cow/calf producers would wean their calves, castrate them, vaccinate them, obviously change their rations all in the same day. If we can try to spread those stressors out, that's going to be much better for that animal so we can castrate them at a younger age," Shirbroun said.  "And then, you know, get them vaccinated prior to weaning and then wean them separate from the other two procedures. That calf will be able to adapt a lot better, and it's much less likely to become sick, and then we'll be better going into the feed lot or if it becomes a breeding heifer, or what have you, would be much healthier going forward.”

Watch For Droopy Ears, Lethargic Cows

So, what are signs that your cattle may be stressed?  Shirbroun said anything that's just not “normal” behavior.

“It might be as big as you know if they're in a confined feeding operation, even if it's cow in the winter and getting feet out of a bunk and they don't come up to eat, that's a sign of stress," Shirbroun said.  "They're kind of lethargic, just laying around, not wanting to do anything, another sign of stress.  Also, droopy ears, kind of dull looking eyes, those are definitely one of the most predominant signs of stress.  And if you if you see an animal undergoing those signs, you really need to try to figure out what's causing those signs and is this animal truly sick at this point, and do I need to treat that animal?”

Biosecurity Can Help Address Stress

Shirbroun added biosecurity is another important consideration when it comes to limiting stress in cattle, and reducing the days of illness.  Find out how by listening to our entire conversation with Shirbroun: 

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