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.
Weaning Time
If initial and booster shots had been administered as outlined in Programs “A” and “B,” no additional immunizations are needed at this time. If the first vaccination series as listed in Program “A” was given but not followed by Program “B” (3 to 4 weeks before weaning), give boosters as listed in Program “B” at weaning time. If calves have not been vaccinated at all before weaning, Program “C” is offered. It must be emphasized that Program “C” is not always an adequate substitute for Programs “A” and “B.” A degree of risk is possible when calves receive various vaccinations for the first time at weaning, or worse, after weaning.
Source: Dr. Stuart D. Lincoln, Veterinary Science Department, Caine Veterinary Teaching and Research Center, Caldwell, Idaho