These devices are used to wean a calf from its mother. It attaches to the calf’s nose so that when the calf tries to nurse, the mother is poked and refuses to allow the calf to nurse.
It looks like a rather cruel device, but really isn’t at all. It’s part of a “two-step process that dramatically cuts the calf's stress while still allowing it to graze and drink water.”
The device is put on the calf’s nose for a period of four-seven days, after which he/she is separated from its mother.
Even though “weaners” like the one on the left are still manufactured; it seems a more popular (and less expensive) model is an almost square, flat plastic item that fits into and covers the calf’s nose.
The “weaners” in the picture were given to the WCHS in the late 1970’s.
Sources:
-- Online advertisements for cattle suppliers.
-- On Campus, April 26. 2006, University of Saskatchewan.
*Post prepared by Lynn Wineland, WCHC Volunteer
