Vaccination - Articles - Page 5

Your best shot at immunity: How trace minerals support vaccination protocols

Vaccination is vital to most operations’ profitability, and proper nutrition – particularly adequate consumption of trace minerals – enhances a vaccination program’s efficacy.

May 17, 2023

Kevin Cain

Stress is inevitable in any cattle operation and greatly impacts calf health and performance. Handling, weaning, transporting and other prolonged periods of stress are often unavoidable and can all have a negative impact on immune function.

Internal parasites wreak havoc on more than growth rates

Growth, milk production, immune function and reproduction can all be compromised with internal parasites. An effective deworming program is critical for an efficient operation.

April 26, 2023

Grant Crawford

Cattle producers invest their time and resources in the best vaccination protocols and nutritional programs. However, these efforts are not fully utilized without an effective deworming strategy. Why?

Thinking beyond VL5 for reproductive vaccines

When thinking about pre-breeding vaccines, the first thought is often protecting against vibrosis and leptospirosis. However, there are a few other disease challenges that may have a larger effect on the overall herd.

April 5, 2023

Jeff Sarchet

As cow-calf producers and veterinarians evaluate options for pre-breeding vaccinations on heifers and cows, it is critical to think about the long-term effects of the disease pathogens that you are protecting against.

Threading the needle: Single-use syringes vs. repeater syringes

The decision between single-use and repeater syringes depends on each operation’s risk of disease transmission and should always be reinforced by good vaccination protocols.

March 21, 2023

Tony Hawkins

When it comes to administering vaccinations, what’s best: a single-use syringe or a multidose tool, like a repeater syringe?

Size matters: The impact of proper needle selection and management

Using the wrong length or diameter of needles can cause issues when treating or vaccinating calves. Best management practices can help avoid failed efficacy, potential harm to the animal and product loss through trimming or carcass condemnation.

March 13, 2023

Paige Pratt

Size especially matters when it comes to needle selection as you treat or vaccinate calves. Needles that are the incorrect length or diameter can cause serious issues.

Precision animal management: What is it and how can it help you?

Thanks to new technologies, producers can manage cattle more precisely and efficiently. Learn how to apply precision animal management practices on your operation.

February 28, 2023

Ali Klatt

Expanding working facilities. Switching to a feeding software. Building another sorting pen. Adding calving pens. We all have something we wish we did sooner. Once we finally got around to it, we wonder, “Why the heck did I wait so long?”

Reducing disease risk on a cow-calf operation

Many cow-calf operations are considered closed herds and only bring new animals onto the property with the addition of new herd sires. However, with any new addition, the greater the risk for disease and the need for biosecurity.

February 6, 2023

Lisa Pederson

Many diseases enter our herds when we acquire new animals and commingle them with our herd. In a cow-calf operation, this often occurs with the addition of new herd sires, replacement females or calves you intend to graft on a cow who lost her calf.

Should you re-treat that sick calf?

When it comes to treating BRD, consult a veterinarian to determine proper post-treatment intervals and take steps to increase first-treatment success.

February 6, 2023

Nathan Meyer

When it comes to bovine respiratory disease, it can be extremely difficult to determine if a sick calf may need a second round of treatment or if the antibiotic should be allowed a few more days to help treat the infection.

Setting calves up for a long-term, successful immune system

Setting up a calf’s immune system from the beginning impacts both her short-term and long-term health. This includes vaccinating dry cows, ensuring passive transfer and developing vaccination and immunostimulant protocols that align with the farm’s heifer-raising goals.

January 24, 2023

Elena Montemagni

Managing dairy calves is truly an art form. The first few weeks of a calf’s life are imperative to how productive that calf will be as an adult, from increased milk during its first lactation to achieving its full genetic potential.