Weaning Beef Calves – Inverness

Join us for an informative and practical meeting, focused on managing stress in beef calves, particularly around weaning.

We will begin the day at Dingwall & Highland Mart, where Kythe Mackenzie, SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer will discuss the impact of stress on calves, how stress can be managed effectively and the link between stress and bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The session will also discuss weaning strategies, helping you consider how management around weaning can influence calf health and performance.

We will be joined by Alfonso Camassa from Ferappease, who will give us an overview on what Ferappease is, how it works and how it is being used on farm.

After lunch, we’ll head to Conon Brae Farms, by kind permission of the MacDonald Family, where we will look at housing, water availability, nutritional management and airflow considerations. This will provide an opportunity to see how these factors are managed on farm and consider how small changes could make a difference to calf health and welfare.

By attending, you will gain practical ideas for reducing stress in calves, recognising and managing factors that can contribute to BRD, and approaching weaning in a way that supports calf health. You will also have the opportunity to review your own housing, water, nutrition and ventilation arrangements, while picking up ideas and experiences from other farmers.

FAS Related Resources

https://www.fas.scot/article/beef-toolkit-weaning-beef-calves/

https://www.fas.scot/publication/building-ventilation-video-guides/ https://www.fas.scot/publication/pneumonia-at-housing/ https://www.fas.scot/article/weaning-calves-reducing-the-stress/

Please take clean wellies and dress appropriately for the weather as we will be outside in the afternoon.

Booking is essential as lunch is provided.

https://what3words.com/groups.repayment.ringside