Cow Herd Vaccination Guidelines

Guide B-224
John Wenzel
Higher of Agronomical, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico Country University

Author: Extension Veterinarian, Department of Extension Beast Sciences and Natural Resources, New Mexico State University. (Impress friendly PDF)

Cow herd vaccination programs, similar calf vaccination programs1, are an of import component of a complete herd health programme. Vaccination protocols should be designed with specific direction systems and production goals in mind. Cows are mostly vaccinated for three reasons: one) to prevent illness in the cow, 2) to protect the newborn calf via colostrum, and 3) to protect the unborn dogie from diseases that tin can result in abortion.

Photo of a herd of cows being led by a rancher

Preventing Illness in the Cow and Passing Immunity to Calves

Some cow vaccinations, like blackleg (clostridial), are given to protect the moo-cow from diseases that impact her direct. Some vaccines develop immunity in the cow that is passed in the colostrum then her unborn calf will be protected from diseases such as rotavirus, coronavirus, or Escherichia coli (E. coli), agents that cause scours in newborn calves. The need for specific vaccinations of this type may vary depending on the disease prevalence in a given expanse and the age of the calf when a disease volition potentially occur. Equally a general rule, booster vaccinations of this type should occur 2–4 weeks before calving so colostral antibody levels peak while colostrum is being made by the cow.

A third category of vaccines are given to help prevent diseases that can consequence in a loss of pregnancy, either from making the cow sick or making the unborn calf ill, thus helping prevent abortion. Examples of diseases these vaccines protect against are viral diseases similar infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) and bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), bacterial diseases similar vibriosis (bovine venereal campylobacteriosis) and leptospirosis, and protozoal diseases like neospora and trichomoniasis. In New Mexico, most pregnancy losses occur between mid-December and mid-February. Therefore, it may be preferable to vaccinate cows in the fall when cows are gathered for pregnancy testing so the immunity stimulated by the vaccination will peak just before the greatest affliction claiming and stress level to the pregnancy. In the fall, cows are generally in the best body condition of the product year, then under-nutrition is less likely to affect cows' response to vaccination. Some vaccines are more than effective in preventing ballgame when given earlier convenance.

Vaccination Protocols

If cows are on a spring vaccination (fall calving) schedule, modifications to the fall vaccination program shown hither may be needed. It is important to note that there is a wide variety of vaccine types, combinations, and uses. Labeled directions must exist strictly followed because some vaccines take narrow parameters of efficacy. For example, trichomoniasis vaccine must be given just before the breeding flavor because the duration of amnesty from vaccination is very short. If this vaccine is administered at a unlike time its efficacy may be compromised.

It is also of import to include bulls in the cow herd vaccination program because they can be a reservoir for some diseases. However, in the case of sure diseases, such as trichomoniasis, existing vaccines are not constructive in bulls. This highlights the demand to consult your veterinarian if y'all have questions almost your vaccination program.

Vaccination is a tool that can be used very effectively to assist reduce the incidence of disease in a moo-cow herd. Every bit with all tools, vaccinations must be administered correctly to get the total benefit. Proper timing, route of administration, dosage, and type of vaccine are paramount to preventing illness. Beef quality balls guidelines should be followed whenever vaccines or medications are administered. Your veterinarian can help you develop a vaccination plan specifically for your operation and geographic area. The following protocols are suggested for a fall vaccination plan.

Cows and Bulls

  • Long-acting viral vaccine that includes at to the lowest degree IBR and BVD, and may include parainfluenza-three virus (PI3) and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV)
  • Long-interim campylobacter fetus (vibrio)/leptospirosis (lepto) vaccine
  • Dewormer
  • vii-mode clostridial booster (optional)
  • Other vaccines if necessary in your area

Note: In the fall, bred replacement heifers should be vaccinated using the same protocol as the mature cows.

Replacement Heifers (pre-breeding)

  • Modified-live IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV (initial at 2 to 3 months of historic period, plus booster effectually weaning)
  • Vibrio and 5-way leptospirosis (initial and booster around weaning)
  • Dewormer
  • 7-way clostridial booster (optional)
  • Brucellosis (optional; if administered it must be given by an accredited veterinarian and before 1 year of age)
  • Other vaccines if necessary for your area

Footnote

aneFor information about calf vaccination programs, encounter NMSU Extension Guide B-223, Dogie Vaccination Guidelines, available at https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_b/B223.pdf. (back to top)

For more on this topic, come across the following publications:

B-222: Cattle Vaccination and Amnesty
https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_b/B222/

B-223: Calf Vaccination Guidelines
https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_b/B223/

B-226: Increasing the Effectiveness of Modified Alive Vaccines
https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_b/B-226/

All Livestock and Range Publications:
https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_b/

Original authors: John Wenzel, Extension Veterinarian; Clay P. Mathis, Extension Livestock Specialist; and Boone Carter, Extension Associate.

Photo of John C. Wenzel.


John C. Wenzel is the Extension veterinarian in the Extension Brute Sciences and Natural Resource section at NMSU. He earned his B.Southward. from NMSU and his DVM from Kansas Country University College of Veterinary Medicine. His work focuses on moo-cow/calf medicine and preventative health programs for livestock producers in southwestern New Mexico.

To notice more than resources for your business, home, or family unit, visit the Higher of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences on the World wide web at pubs.nmsu.edu

Contents of publications may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. For permission to use publications for other purposes, contact pubs@nmsu.edu or the authors listed on the publication.

New Mexico Country University is an equal opportunity/affirmative activeness employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.

Revised May 2015