Tried, True Vaccines Remain Effective For Calf Health
US - Larry Hollis says the price of feeder cattle has convinced many producers to spend some money on calf health.
13 April 2007
2 minute read
“When calves are cheap, people get cheap with their health program,” says Hollis, Kansas State University Extension beef veterinarian. “But, regardless of the price, the professional producer is going to take good care of his cattle.”
He says most of the health issues are the same every year. But, an old friend is starting to rear its ugly head, Hollis notes.
“Mycoplasma has sort of cycled to the top of the list, mainly in newly weaned and stocker calves,” he says. “The best way to handle it is to do a good job of controlling things that open the door for it.
“It’s set off by a variety of stressors, and you need to recognize what might cause it because by the time we diagnose mycoplasma, it’s too late to treat it.”
Hollis says newer antibiotics can help prevent respiratory diseases in cattle. While there have been instances of cattle developing some resistance to antibiotics, he says many of the tried and true vaccines remain effective today.
“We have some older products that work as well today as they did 30 years ago. Like anything else, preventing the disease is the key, and there are some very effective vaccines available that will allow you to do that.”
The biggest headache for most cow/calf producers during this time of year is calf scours, Hollis says. He advises producers to adopt a preventive management plan for scours.
Source: Iowa Farmer Today
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