Designing a vaccination program from the multitude of immunization products currently on the market can frustrate anyone who wants to obtain maximum protection BCH-3015 1. BCH-3015 Product of Extension Beef Cattle Resource Committee Adapted from the Cattle Producer’s Library at a reasonable cost. The following is a vaccination guideline that will fit most cow-calf operations. Much of this information comes from a management guideline put out as a joint effort between the National Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) and the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), and is modified to meet the needs for a commercial cow-calf operation. Keep in mind that the following are general guidelines. Specific recommendations, particularly those in the optional category, should be made by your veterinarian because some products that may be needed in your herd are not listed (i.e., Redwater vaccine).
It is important to remember that for most diseases the relationship between the infectious agent and the host is sufficiently complicated that vaccination cannot be expected to provide complete protection. The vaccine can increase the animals’ resistance to disease, but that resistance to disease can be overwhelmed if good management practices are not followed.
Cow Herd, Replacement Heifers and Bulls
Vaccination and adequate handling of calves are part of, but not a substitute for, a total herd health-management program. An adequate breeding herd vaccination program must be implemented if maximum benefits are
expected from vaccinating and/or preconditioning calves. The following recommendations are intended to ensure immunization of the breeding herd against diseases of recognized significance.
A. Replacement heifers and bulls (generally 10 to 15 months of age). The immunizations outlined below should be boostered annually, no later than 30 days before breeding.
1. Replacement cattle with unknown history status - heifers not pregnant.
a. First working
1. Immunization
(a) IBR/Pl3/ BVD
(b) Vibriosis
(c) Leptospirosis
(d) Clostridial diseases
b. Second working (14 to 30 days later)
1. Immunization
(a) Leptospirosis booster
(b) Vibriosis booster if a second shot is required by some manufacturers
(c) Clostridial booster
2. Other treatments
(a) Treat for extermal parasites, depending upon grub development and season
2. Replacement cattle sufficiently immunized by calfhood and weaning programs. This is recommended as optimum management, starting after calves are weaned and assuming they have had at least the minimal recommendations suggested for calves.
a. Booster vaccinations
(1) IBR
(2) BVD
(3) Leptospirosis
(4) Vibriosis
(5) Clostridial
b.Other treatments
(1) Internal and external parasites
B. Mature cows and bulls. These immunizations should be boostered annually, either at time of pregnancy examination, or no later than 30 days before rebreeding, or upon advice of your veterinarian, assuming immunizations as calves and/or replacements have been done.
1. Booster vaccinations
(a) IBR
(b) BVD
(c) Leptospirosis
(d) Vibriosis
(e) Clostridial
2. Other treatments
(a) Internal and external parasites
C. SPECIAL NOTICE: Brucellosis status
Vaccinate all eligible heifers for Brucellosis. Purchase only vaccinated heifers. Consult your veterinarian on specific regulations.
Source: Dr. Stuart D. Lincoln, Veterinary Science Department, Caine Veterinary Teaching and Research Center, Caldwell, Idaho