EasyWean®

On our own property we have been using the EasyWean® noserings since 1999. We have made some design improvements, but continue to use previous versions to test longevity. Many noserings are now on their 10th 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 nosering 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® noserings 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 nosering is a major factor influencing retention rate.

While the spikes look aggressive we have not experienced any cases where the nosering 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 nosering should stay on for 4-6 weeks to ensure lactation has ceased.

• A second handling of the calves is then required to remove the noserings.

• Restrain the calf, loosen the wingnut and gently pull back on each lug and remove the nosering.

• We suggest a glove is worn on the “off” hand to give the operator confidence to grab the spikes while undoing the wingnut, reducing the chance of catching or scratching a finger in the nosering.

• Throw the noserings in a bucket of water near the head bail. We recommend soaking in detergent and later washing with an old dish brush, then rinse and dry.

• The bolt, washer and wing-nut are stainless steel .

• Use of a light oil to lubricate bolt & wingnut before storage may prevent chance of corrosion.

See our pricing page for prices for different quantities. for more pictures and videos of our noserings 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!) .