EasyWean nose rings for calves

On our own property we have been using the EasyWean rings since 1999. We have made some design improvements, but continue to use previous versions to test longevity. Many nose rings are now on their 7th weaning and still going strong.

We would not consider returning to yard weaning.

Thousands of calves have been successfully weaned using this method in Australia.

The reason why EasyWean works is twofold. Firstly the calf is less able to access the teat with a nose ring flopping around in front of its mouth. Secondly the cow is made uncomfortable with the calf's persistent attempts, with the spikes causing her to move away from the calf. As a result the lactation is supressed but the calf does not suffer the usual growth setback at weaning caused by separation and emotional stress.

EasyWean is just uncomfortable enough to aid in achieving an effective weaning (we suggest 90%+) without grazing restriction or injury to your stock.

Fitting Easywean nose rings is simple. Restrain calf in a crush, push one lug into a nostril and with your finger flip the nose across allowing the other lug to fall into the other nostril. Adjust the wing nut to tighten, allowing minimal movement. Once you get going you should be able to fit each calf in well under a minute.

How well you apply the nose ring is a major factor influencing retention rate.

While the spikes look aggressive we have not experienced any cases where the ring has caused udder damage to the cow. Occasionally if done up too tightly the lugs will penetrate the septum (dividing membrane) between calf's nostrils, which can make removal more difficult.

The rings are designed so there are no grazing restrictions on the calf.

• The ring should stay on for 4-6 weeks to ensure lactation has ceased.
• A second handling of the calves is then required to remove the nose rings.
• Restrain the calf, loosen the wingnut and gently twist out the nose ring.
• We suggest a glove is worn on the "off" hand to give the operator confidence to grap the spikes and reduce the chance of catching or scratching a finger in the ring.
• Throw the rings in a bucket. We recommend soaking in detergent and later washing with a dish brush, then rinse and dry.
• The bolt, washer and wing-nut are stainless steel .
• Use a light oil to lubricate bolt & wingnut before storage to prevent corrosion.

See our pricing page for prices for different quantities. for more pictures of our nose rings in action you should take a quick look at our gallery (optimised for low bandwidth internet connections, we do know how frustrating it can be in the bush!) .

Quick Facts

• Cow rejects calfs attempts to suckle.
• No grazing restriction to calf.
• Dry up lactation but maintain cow/calf bond.
• Quick and simple to fit.
• Ring stays on for 4 to 6 weeks.
• Reusable.
• Approximately 90% effective.
• Cows & calves remain as one mob.

Advantages

• Weaning with this method greatly reduces weaning stress.
• Grazing planning is simplified.
• Save the hay and labour.
• No more broken fences.
• No more bawling cattle.
• Improve Animal performance AND pasture growth.
• Performance + Pasture = Profit

Results

Heifer calves weaned in this manner have been reported to weigh 30kgs more than conventionally weaned calves at that point. This can be the difference between joining heifers at 15 months or not. Commercial breeders report weight gains of .7kg/day during the weaning period.

With steers this extra weight gain can be translated into finishing earlier and weighing more.

Because Cows are able to gain condition even through the weaning period the herd will benefit from higher conception rates.

On average 90% of calves are weaned successfully.

There will always be a few that will learn their way around the ring and some breakages or loss in the paddock must be expected.

90% - 95% of rings should be recovered and, if stored properly, are reusable next weaning season.

Some rings have now successfully completed seven weaning seasons and are still going strong.

Tips

It is recommended that the rings be left in the nose of the calf for 4-6 weeks to ensure lactation has ceased.

Your management decisions may delay removal for other reasons.