Low-stress Herd Management
Low-stress Management: Proper pressure, applied at the proper time, in the proper direction to create a reaction from the cattle in the direction of the cattleman's will.
High stress environments for cattle can cause many negative health side effects including slower weight gain, decreased milk production, decreased efficiency and poor performance. These effect each ranch differently depending on whether they raise breeders, feeders, or show cattle. In any ranch setting the goal is always adaptable, healthy cattle. Here are some of the top reasons why we at Bradshaw Cattle Company believe in low-stress herd management and continue to see benefits through out our herds.
Low-stress management does not mean no stress. Anytime that cattle are directed by something or someone outside the herd, there will be stress, the purpose of low-stress management is to minimize this stress so that the cattle are exposed to the least amount of stress for the smallest amount of time necessary. One key thing to remember is to never "approach" or "start driving" cattle by coming directly at them. Cattle's eyes are on the sides of their face which can make it difficult for them to see directly in front of them.
When we approach head on, they see it as a threat as many predators approach in this manner. By approaching them from their side, they are able to visually see us coming and determine there is not threat making them more likely to listen to the ranchers direction. A good sign of proper low-stress herd management is when the herd isn't moving out of fear, but they are running, bucking and other joyous actions while moving because they are happy and healthy.
One of our main focuses is low-stress management in our weaning process. Pulling the calf from its dam is high-stress as it is. Not only is the calf restricted to the comforting touch of its mother, but it also is restricted to grass and grain forage. We strive to make the process as gradual as possible. We put calf-feeders in all our pastures to bunk train the calves early. Most calves at least two weeks or older tend to go to the calf feeder when the cows eat at their bunks. This also gets them comfortable with the feed more as they grow. We wean in neighboring pastures so that the calf and dam can still see each other, allowing them to grieve the loss but still be able to see each other. We feed calf-feed as well as hay and provide access to all natural forage for the calves to regain the weight lost in the stress of initial weaning.
Stress acts the same in humans as it does in cattle. The more stress the higher chance of disease and higher chance of weight loss. This effects the health and production of livestock for the cattleman. Our Ranch Manager, John Heiderstadt, is certified with the Texas Beef Quality Producer Program for quality standards of beef production. One of our common practices is to go "hang out" in the field. It is important to us to check cattle daily, not only for counting head, but also to take the time to spend in the field. This is the time we take to allow the cattle to get comfortable with us, as well as checking manure distribution, grass growth, grazing patterns, and maintenance of weed prevention.
A lack of awareness of people causes a disconnect between humans and the livestock. This can happen not only with the average person whom has never seen the agriculture industry up front and personal, but it can also happen to the cattleman. Most often technology is a cause of the disconnect between the rancher and his livestock, but it can also happen when the rancher himself becomes almost robot-like. The agriculture industry is a beautiful and amazing career available to few and appreciated by even fewer. As producers in the industry we must remember to "stop and smell the roses" every once in a while. Remember that we are dealing with life and health of an animal who is completely, in most cases, dependent on our support and fully trusting us to keep them healthy, happy and safe. If any of the cattle begin to back up while we are trying to move them, we should release pressure. This allows them to know that they do not have to bolt when nervous because the release can be taken away when they listen to the direction of our push.
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