The journey from the farm to the sale facility can be tough for cattle. Often, they face a drop in weight, commonly referred to as "shrink". Shrink results from weight loss when cattle release bodily fluids or solids during this transfer. This weight loss might seem trivial, but it comes with a hidden cost for producers.
Many might not consider this when planning their sales, but the weight they're paid for at sale may be less than the weight the cattle had before leaving the farm. The weight discrepancy can be influenced by how cattle are managed during transportation.
Stress is a big factor. Stressed cattle are likely to urinate and defecate more frequently, leading to increased shrink.
Some recommendations are -
Handle the cattle with care, staying calm, and moving slowly. Having proper facilities for moving cattle is vital. Facilities alone won't be enough. What's equally crucial is having well-trained animal handlers. A state-of-the-art facility can't counteract the damage caused by poorly trained handlers. If employing third-party handlers, ensure they are skilled.
It's also essential to ensure cattle aren't suffering from familiar feed and water for too long. Ideally, they shouldn't be moved from pasture to a dry lot with limited resources, only to wait for days to be weighed at an auction market. Even providing resources at the new location might not help immediately, as it takes time for cattle to adapt.
While some shrinkage is inevitable, it's possible to control it significantly. Proper nutrition and careful handling during transportation are key to this process.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle