Preconditioning Calves
It is hot out. The last thing we want to think about is gathering pairs to process calves prior to weaning, but now is the time to start planning for the event. It will not be long before nights start becoming cooler which can often times lead to calf-pneumonia on pasture. Anyone that has dealt with this understands the severity. The best way to counter this issue is to get the calves vaccinated prior to an upcoming stressful event.
Make sure you work closely with your veterinarian as they will be familiar with disease challenges in your area. Commonly used vaccination programs used by Sioux Nation veterinarians include a 5-way viral vaccine, Mannhaemia/Pasteurella vaccine, and a 7-way Clostridial. These can be given as three separate shots or there are combination shots available. Which vaccines you choose to use should be based on past experiences with recommendations from your vet.
It is also recommended to castrate bull calves and use a dewormer at this time. By deworming calves at this time we remove one more potential stressor allowing the calves to respond more effectively to the vaccines. This will decrease the chance of pneumonia when calves are weaned, which is the most stressful time in a calf’s life.
Some tips to remember:
Get product purchased ahead of time.
Start early in the morning so work is finished before the heat hits.
Mix vaccine as you go. Do not mix all at once as vaccine efficacy drops with time once mixed. Also, calves have been known to break out ending that days work before completed and there you sit with vaccine that will be useless.
Keep vaccine cool
When mixed keep vaccine shaded. Sunlight destroys modified-live vaccines rapidly.
Consider spraying the cows for flies as they are usually covered
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