How to spot signs of stress in cows

Stress in cows can have a devastating impact on your farm’s productivity and profitability.

A stressed cow may struggle to maintain or increase her weight or conceive, produce less milk or meat, fall ill, and – in a worst-case scenario – even die.

Learning how to spot the signs of stress in cows, as well as how to reduce stress by using the scientifically-proven FerAppease cattle calming solution, means you can protect your herd’s health and value.

Why do cows get stressed?

Because cows are prey animals, they’re particularly sensitive to potential threats and therefore particularly likely to experience stress.

When bovines feel aggravated or in danger, their levels of the stress hormone cortisol increase and their metabolism shifts into survival mode.

A stressed cow won’t thrive, become a valuable asset, or give calves the best start in life.

Stress in cows can stem from general herd management issues, such as:

·         Poor nutrition and dehydration

·         Overcrowding

·         Extreme temperatures and poor ventilation

·         Rough handling and loud noises

·         Fatigue

·         Injuries

In addition, signs of stress in cows are frequently observed during calving season and other significant events.

These stressors include:

·         Tagging and branding

·         Vaccinations and TB testing

·         Transportation, changing groups and re-housing

·         Artificial insemination, pregnancy and transition

·         Calving, its complications and calving-related illnesses

·         Milking and drying off

·         Calf separation

·         Slaughter preparation

Five signs to help identify stress in cows

To identify stress in cows, you need to familiarise yourself with the behavioural and physical changes associated with it.

The first two signs of stress in cows outlined below are seen during the initial stages of the problem.

If stress is then allowed to take hold and become a long-term issue, you may see the other three troubling signs too.

1. Agitation: A stressed cow may pant, sweat and be uncooperative

2. Weakness: It’s not unusual for stress to make cows collapse

3. Weight loss: Stress in cows is associated with lower dry matter intake (DMI).

4. Reduced productivity: A stressed cow may become less fertile, give birth to smaller or premature calves, and produce less milk or meat.

5. Illness and death: Stress in cows undermines their immune system. Animals are more likely to develop chronic inflammation, fall ill with BRD and other ailments, respond less well to antibiotics and vaccinations, and die prematurely.

How to reduce stress in cows with FerAppease

‘Many experts are now recommending that producers take steps to lower the stress of cows,’ emphasises Progressive Cattle magazine.

As well as ensuring herds’ fundamental needs are met (in terms of adequate shelter, forage, etc.), UK farmers can significantly reduce stress in cows by administering FerAppease topically whenever potentially stress-inducing situations arise.

Calibre Control is the official UK distributor of FerAppease.

It contains a synthetic analogue of the cow pheromone Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS), enabling it to decrease threat perception and the cortisol response for an impressive 14 days per application.

UK trials highlight the link between FerAppease and more productive, valuable herds that aren’t plagued by signs of stress in cows.

Reduce stress in cows at your farm and reap the rewards – order FerAppease from Calibre Control today.