Producers should customize herd vaccinations
What a delight it is this time of year for livestock producers to see the offspring of their fall-calving herds grace their pastures. As the new calf crop arrives, it’s time to think about getting the cow herd ready for the next breeding season that usually begins in December and January for many operations.
Importance of Pre-breeding Vaccinations
Vaccinations given to cows prior to breeding serve as protection for the animals against reproductive diseases. The pre-breeding vaccinations will also aid in protecting calves from potential disease agents. “Obviously, no vaccination program is 100 percent effective, but the objective would be to maintain a high level of herd immunity to minimize disease outbreak and improve profitability for the operation,” Dr. Jeremy Powell, DVM, Ph.D., professor and veterinarian at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said.
Recommended Vaccinations
Livestock specialists note producers should always customize their herd vaccination program to meet the particular needs of their operation. In addition, there are several different vaccines and vaccine combinations available for cattle. “Therefore, it is important to work with a veterinarian who is familiar with your beef cattle operation when making selection decisions,” Powell added.
Even though herd health needs may vary between operations, there are a few standard vaccines that should be utilized in most herds in the Ozarks.
The following vaccines will help protect loss of reproductive efficiency and profitability in a cow herd.
Veterinarians recommend administering the vaccinations 30 to 45 days prior to breeding season.
Vaccines Recommended for Cows and Bulls
• 5-way viral vaccine (IBR, BVD I & II, PI-3, BRSV)
• Leptospirosis
• Vibriosis
• 7-way or 8-way clostridial (Blackleg)
Vaccines recommended for calves
• 5-way viral vaccine (IBR, BVD I & II, PI-3, BRSV)
• 7-way or 8-way clostridial (Blackleg)
If vaccinating replacement heifers consider
• Brucellosis (Bang’s) vaccine between 4 and 12 months of age
• 5-way viral vaccine (IBR, BVD, PI-3, BRSV)
• Leptospirosis
• Vibriosis
• 7-way or 8-way clostridial (Blackleg)
Additional Vaccinations
Livestock specialists recommend some operations may want to consider other vaccinations based on the case history of diseases in their herd. “If your herd has encountered problems with pinkeye, calf scours, or respiratory pneumonia in the past, there are vaccines for these problems that will help limit future outbreaks,” Powell stated. “Since vaccine needs vary from herd to herd, it is important to visit with your veterinarian to get their input when selecting vaccines for your operation.”
Whole Herd Vaccination
The best course of action is to vaccinate all animals in the herd, including the herd bulls. Livestock specialists advise the benefits of vaccinations outweigh the time and money invested in vaccinations. “Avoiding a potential health disaster in their breeding stock validates the cost,” Powell said. “Keep in mind the old adage, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’. In other words, the costs of a disease outbreak will far exceed the price of disease prevention.”
