![]() Consequently, the result of focusing on individual animal performance is reduced profits. This has created high-maintenance cattle that do not fit any environment outside of a feedlot. ![]() For the past 40+ years, the status quo beef industry has been enamored with increasing individual animal performance. Third, ear tagging calves sets you up to keep records on individual animal performance which will keep you from maximizing sustainable profit per acre. Any outside interference does more harm than good. This is a very critical time for a newborn calf. Second, ear tagging calves at birth disrupts the bond between a momma cow and her newborn calf. How would you feel if someone in your family got hurt while tagging a newborn calf? Every year we hear about someone being seriously injured or killed while trying to tag a newborn calf. There are at least four problems with ear tagging calves at birth. This fellow is getting first hand experience with the dangers of ear tagging a new born calf. It does not have to be done within a few hours after birth. ![]() I am not against putting identification ear tags in every animal – but it can be done when the calves are run through a chute for vaccinations, etc. If you are a commercial rancher (not raising registered cattle), you are NOT getting paid to ear tag your calves. I’m sure many of you are saying, “What’s wrong with tagging calves at birth?” To begin with, each and every one of your cows knows which calf is hers – without an ear tag. Ear tagging calves at birth was one of those kooky notions. Several years ago, the PCC Discussion Group came up with several “Kooky Notions” that the members used to have. ![]() Most do it because they have always done it. Many cow-calf producers think it is sacrilegious to not ear tag calves at birth. ![]()
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