Two-step weaning in beef calves: Permanence of nose flaps for 7 or 21 days does not influence the behaviour response.

Abstract. Two-step weaning with nose flaps is used to minimise the stress of weaning in beef calves. Farmers leave the nose flaps for 7–30 days, basing the period on practical considerations. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the behavioural response of 6-month-old beef calves fitted with nose flaps during 7 or 21 days before permanent separation from the dam, or abruptly weaned.