The use of cattle as a biological agent for weed control in oil palm plantations allows the establishment of a harmonious relationship between cattle, the undergrowth and oil palm trees. This relationship has resulted in reduction in the cost of weeding using chemicals by 40 to 70%, optimum beef production and optimal land use.
Most plantation adopt natural breeding due to nature of the cattle grazing in a vast land under oil plant. The study shows that the calving rate are lest than 50%. Therefore we are studying method on how to improve the calving rate especially when in involve Brahman cattle. One of the estate in Sarawak is using easywean method and found to be an effective management tools to improve the calving rate and reduce stress.
EasyWean® noserings provide an alternative to the stress inducing practice of separating young from their mothers during the weaning period.
Easywean® noserings allow the calf or lamb to stay with it's mother and mob whilst still being effective at weaning the animal.
The reason why EasyWean® works is twofold. Firstly the calf is less able to access the teat with a nosering flopping around in front of its mouth. Secondly the cow is made uncomfortable with the calf’s persistent attempts, with the spikes causing her to move away from the calf. As a result the lactation is supressed but the calf does not suffer the usual growth setback at weaning caused by separation and emotional stress.
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