Vaccines are important in livestock health programs. Vaccines do not prevent all diseases by themselves and should be used in conjunction with good management practices. “Producers should have a good nutrition plan in place which should include trace minerals. Good nutrition programs can help with the overall herd immunity establishment,” advises Shane Gadberry, University of Arkansas animal science associate professor.
“Producers should be cautious, read the label instructions and consult with a vet before beginning injections,” explained Melissa Hudson, Missouri State University animal science assistant professor. “Producers should make sure that the type (live, modified live, or killed) of vaccination is safe for the animals they are vaccinating.”
“About 2 to 4 weeks prior to the breeding season, producers should vaccinate all replacement heifers (heifers will need a booster 4 to 6 weeks later) and cows,” Hudson recommended. “A combination vaccine is usually the best way to go; something like Spirovac VL5 by Pfizer or Reprostar L5 HB by Novartis. These types will provide protection against multiple strains of Lepto and vibrio. Producers can also use a combination vaccine such as Bovi-Shield Gold that will provide protection against reproductive diseases, as well as IBR, BVD, and BRSV,” continued Hudson.
“It is important to follow up the vaccinations with boosters to help establish the immune system,” said Gadberry.
“There are three types of injections, subcutaneously (SQ), intravenously (IV) or in the muscle (IM). It is really important where we give the injections,” warns Hudson. “SQ is definitely preferred to avoid lesions.”
You will need a syringe, a needle and the right vaccine to vaccinate your animal properly. “Change needles frequently. Needles tend to become dull or bent,” said Hudson.
When giving a SQ injection, pick up a fold of skin on the neck or shoulder between your fingers and insert the needle into the space between the fold of skin. If an IM injection is required you need to use a longer needle. IM injections should be given in the neck muscle just in front of the shoulder. Never give an IM injection high in the hip muscle where the prime meat cuts are located. Few vaccines are given in IV. Before giving IV injections you should consult your vet.
“Stay away from high value cuts of the animal. The neck is the preferred location for injections,” said Gadberry.
“Producers should be aware that vaccinations and antibiotics have expiration dates and specific storing instructions. If a vaccine is to be kept cold consider that even chute side – you may need to have a cooler with you to store them in while you are administering injections,” explained Gadberry.
Vaccines will slowly lose their potency, even when stored under ideal conditions. The manufacturer has determined the expiration date for each batch of vaccine.
“Guidelines for the Beef Quality Assurance should be followed when administering vaccinations,” concluded Gadberry.
It is important to know which diseases your livestock should be vaccinated against. Consult with your vet to determine the correct health program for your farm.
