Fall 2009

Health considerations for newly weaned calves

By Dr. Craig Payne, Beef Veterinarian

Weaning is a stressful event. Proper facility design as well as handling animals quietly and calmly can significantly reduce stress in cattle.

Herding cows and calves for weaning at Barnitz Farms, Dent County

Processing of calves should include both a sound vaccination program, and internal and external parasite control. The vaccination program should begin prior to weaning or within 24 hours of weaning.

A prudent vaccination program usually includes IBR, BVD (type I & II), BRSV, PI3, and a 7-way Clostridial. However, a local veterinarian should be consulted when setting up a vaccination protocol. Your veterinarian will have knowledge of the predominant diseases in your area and can design a health program that is tailor made for your operation.

Take time to read vaccine labels and determine whether the product should be administered subcutaneously (SQ) or intramuscularly (IM). If the vaccine gives the option of both, choose the SQ route. Always give injections in the neck region and remember to change needles every ten head. Change needles more frequently if it develops a burr or becomes dirty.

Consumers have every right to expect their meat to be free of injection blemishes and these simple standards will significantly reduce the incidence of injection site blemishes.

Cow-calf pair

It is not uncommon to hear of operations that are having poor results with their vaccination programs. There are numerous explanations for the failures but generally a failure at the ranch level is due to improper vaccine handling and administration.

The key is to make sure the vaccines are properly stored at all times. Vaccines are degraded when frozen or when exposed to heat or sunlight. Keeping vaccines cool and shaded from sunlight until they are administered to the animal is critical. Some vaccines, such as modified live vaccines (MLV), begin to lose effectiveness once they are mixed. The standard recommendation is to mix only the amount of vaccine you can use within one hour.

Calves should be observed twice daily during the weaning period. Animals showing signs illness such as nasal discharge, rapid breathing, head or ears down, depression, or an elevated body temperature should be separated from the group and kept in a hospital pen. Once separated, you can begin an effective treatment program as outlined by the veterinarian working with you.

Proper treatment for any disease begins with using the correct antibiotic at the correct dosage for the proper length of time. In order to ensure that you are meeting these requirements, a close working relationship with a veterinarian is essential.

Consumers expect their beef products to be safe and free from drug residues. Producers must ensure that products coming from the farm meet the customers’ demands. Avoiding drug residues starts with using antibiotics according to label directions and/or closely following the directions given to you by your veterinarian. In addition, it is essential to identify and record which animals were treated so that you are assured they have met the required antibiotic withdrawal period before they are marketed.

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