Working Ranch Radio Show

Ep 246: Why Calves Crash Three Weeks After Weaning or a Stress Event w/ Dr. Blaine Ellison

March 14, 2026·54 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Why do calves often crash about three weeks after weaning or shipping?  Today Dr. Blaine Ellison of Applied Bio Technologies, Inc joins us to explain the 21-day cortisol surge in cattle — a stress response that can suppress immune function, shut down weight gain, and increase sickness risk. In this episode we discuss: • Why cattle often stall out during the first 21–28 days after stress • The evolutionary biology behind the cortisol surge • How the immune system shifts metabolism during stress • Management decisions that may unintentionally make the problem worse • What producers might consider doing differently to reduce stress and improve performance Understanding what happens during this critical window could help producers improve health outcomes, performance, and profitability across the industry. #workingranchmagazine #WorkingRanchRadio #ranchlife #ranching #cattle #livestock #beef #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CattleManagement #CattleHealth #BeefProduction #RanchProfitability #Ranchers #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica #CattleHealth #AnimalHealth #BRD #CattleStress #FeedlotManagement #Preconditioning #Stockmanship #LivestockManagement

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