Management practices to boost immunity in calves
A few keys to ensuring calves develop strong immune systems include attention to nutrition, consistency in vaccinations and cleanliness of the environment. The foundation of a calf’s immunity starts before it is born, with the health of its dam. Additionally, the overall health of the entire herd is a contributing factor to the strength of a calf’s immunity.
— Nutrition —
Nutrition for young animals or calves is key to developing a strong immune system. This starts with the calf’s dam. “The first couple of months it is up to the dams to ensure the calf has immunity and their nutrition is topnotch,” Maggie Justice, Ph.D., beef cattle extension specialist and assistant professor with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said.
Once the calf hits the ground, it’s important to make sure the calf is drinking milk from its mother. Producers should be looking to see if the cow is producing enough milk, checking for signs of a mastitis infection or any other problems that would keep the calf from getting the nutrients it needs.
Proper nutrition from the dam is particularly critical right after a calf is born, at that time the dam gives her calf its first immunity.
“Nutrition is especially important in the first 24 to 48 hours, because that is when the calf is going to be ingesting the colostrum. That’s natures first way of providing immunity to the newborn calf,” Dr. Justice explained. In a situation where a calf is not getting the colostrum or milk it requires, then producers should bottle feed the calf colostrum or milk replacers as needed.
The nutrition for a dam prior to calving and following calving is another critical aspect to good health for the calf and the cow. The dam needs proper body condition at calving in order to raise the calf, recover from calving and breed back. “Nutrition is one of the most important things we can do for our animals to set them up for success,” Dr. Justice stated.
Another aspect to building immunity can be found in offering calves a good forage source. Whether it’s grazing grass or eating hay, forages help calves develop their digestive systems so they are healthy, and their immune systems can grow with them as well.
— Immunization —
Vaccinations are an effective tool in preventing diseases in livestock. Each vaccine has its own protocol. Livestock extension specialists encourage producers to work with their herd veterinarians to determine a vaccination schedule for the calves and the entire herd. “It’s important to make sure you have a great relationship with your veterinarian to establish those vaccination protocols no matter what livestock species you are raising,” Dr. Justice advised.
Though vaccinations for calves play a key role in boosting immunity, whole herd immunity is also a powerful defense against diseases. “For those first couple of months we are really depending on the dam’s immunity and the herd’s immunity to help raise our calves, so their natural immunity is built, and they are given an environment to thrive in,” Dr. Justice said.
— Environment —
The environment in which a calf is being raised can also positively or negatively impact its health. Producers should take measures to keep the calves’ environment as clean. For example, making sure the water troughs are clean and free of debris and hay areas are located in dry, flat areas.
