Development and application of a scoring system for septum injuries in beef calves with and without a nose flap

Abstract The weaning period is a stressful time for beef calves because they must quickly gain independence from their dam. Gradual methods of weaning, such as when the calf fitted with nose flap to prevent suckling, are known reduce behavioral and physiological indicators stress. Nose flaps held in place by nasal septum worn 4 7 d. In present study, objectives were 1) identify if plastic d caused injuries, (2) factors like body weight or size predict injuries loss, (3) create scoring system that could reliably score wound characteristics. Eighty-two (N = 82) Angus Angus-Hereford crossbred randomly assigned ‘Flap’ ‘No Flap’ treatments. Calves weighed 247 ± 29 kg those had septums 39 2 mm (mean SD). Images taken each nostril before insertion, on day removal, 6 after removal. Wounds scored presence/absence 3 characteristics either nostril: damage (tissue where rested was different color than surrounding nostril), impression (edges clearly raised sunken), blood. One trained observer subset photos 64) twice, consistent manner all (damage, impression, blood; 97%, 91%, 100% agreement between 1st 2nd evaluations, respectively), indicating our repeatable. Thirty-two percent Flap treatment lost No injured. All animals kept impressions at least 1 86% blood immediately removal (P ≤ 0.001 compared Flap) altered tissue created open wounds. Six still visible damage, 64% impressions, 29% blood, while longer lasting, wounds can start repair removed. Injuries prevalent calves, thus there no relationship (body width) these ≥ 0.374). Body did not differ 0.489) flap. inflicted may counteract previously documented benefits this method making it less advantageous alternatives raise concerns about other uses devices contexts.