Logistics Nightmare - Weaning, Bluetongue and TB Tests

bjreroberts · Post by **bjreroberts** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 5:24 pm

The one thing I underestimated when starting out with Dexters was the logistics nightmare of trying to co-ordinate everything!

I have to move off my current field at the end of the month and my cattle are due to go to a nature reserve for 2 months grazing. Once there handling facilities will be more difficult so I want to get lots done before then. I do have another small field I can use which would be OK for about 2 weeks until mid-Septmeber

1) Weaning - I have been very slack and need to wean my one year old heiffer:
- am I wasting my time trying to separate mother / daughter with two strands of electric fencing? Each will be with other cattle so they won't be alone.
- how long do you need to keep them apart for?

2) Bluetongue vaccination and TB testing - I think I can get both injections done before the end of the month, but how soon after that is it safe to have the TB Test? I read the other post about injecting in different places, but I'm still concerned about what affect the vaccination might have on the test results.

Broomcroft · Post by **Broomcroft** » Fri Aug 08, 2008 7:09 pm

Ben, on (1) we wean regularly at 10-12 months, or sometimes older and they aren't that bothered, or not for long (day or two?) if they've still got other company. In fact we only wean at all if mom looks as though she needs the rest and/or she's within about 8 weeks of calving again. Not sure about just an electric fence though! Depends on the animal and the power of the fence I suppose.

Pass on (2) but we have been told 2 weeks either side for injections and one week for things like SpotOn, but I'm not a vet.

Halter-trained animals must be a boon where handling facilities aren't available, if you can do that. We've got a crush which we cart about with a JCB with a few gates and a lot of string!

Edited By Broomcroft on 1218221295

TonyH · Post by **TonyH** » Sat Aug 09, 2008 10:59 am

Ours had their TB test, first Blue Tongue jab and Fly Pour all done this week.
Monday they had the TB jabs and then Thursday on our vet's recommendation they got BT vaccine and fly treatment when the results were checked. They all seem fine.

Inger · Post by **Inger** » Sat Aug 09, 2008 10:48 pm

Yes, a few gates and some rope which you can put on a trailer, would be very useful as handling facilities in the park that they are going to for grazing. We use the same system for handling sheep at the other end of our property. Mobile sheep yards are more convenient than moving sheep, sometimes. Especially if they are young sheep and haven't been handled much.