okmike":3dvccimv said:
other than your herd catching some sort of sickness or needing doctoring, how often is it required that you "work" your cattle, such as shots and the like. what is the norm in this area when it comes to keeping up the herd. thanks mike
For optimium effect from your vaccines here's a time frame.
Breeding Cattle
7 way or 8 way (AKA Balckleg)
*First time shot in cows(if you do not know prior history) 12 weeks prior calving. Most do this during preg testing. 2nd shot 6 weeks prior calving. Personally any closer to calving and you will put stress on some cows causing abortion.
*If the cows have a history of 7-8 way then the yearly(once a year) 6 weeks prior calving. This allows the protection to pass on to the unborn calf.
*Examples of 7 and 8 Way vacs.
http://stockmens.com/store/products.asp ... g_Vaccines
4 or 5 way plus VL5
This vac is very important. Probably the most important shot you can give a cow. Has the IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV plus what is commonly called the VL5 ingredients. VL stands of Vibro Lepto. Now if the cow already has the disease such as BVD(type 1 and 2) this shot will not cure her. This protects them against getting the virus. The Vibro Lepto can and most likely will abort the cows. Here's an example 20 cow's bought from XYZ cattle buyer. Come calving time they have either all "slinked" (aborted) or had dead calves. Maybe 1 or 2 calves born alive.
* As with most vac's there is a first shot and a booster shot.
* Some are "friendly" to use on bred cows and some are not. Get with your vet.
* Typically the best time for effectiveness is 4-6 weeks prior to first day of breeding for the anuall shot. We used to do it at preg testing as well, but found out from vets it is better before you breed.
Examples of these vac's are:
http://stockmens.com/store/catalog_deta ... Gold+5+VL5
http://stockmens.com/store/catalog_deta ... +4+%2B+VL5
http://stockmens.com/store/catalog_deta ... +5+%2B+VL5
http://stockmens.com/store/catalog_deta ... ype+II+BVD
http://stockmens.com/store/catalog_deta ... amid+MLV+9
Bangs Brusolosis Vac
* To be done on Heifers under the 365 day age. This would be done on replacement breeding stock, or feeder heifers that will be going to a state that requires bangs vac. It is not common to bangs feeders heifers that go into a feedlot.
* Vet does the tattoo, shot, and clip in the ear.
* If you sell your cows and they are not bangs vac in some states you can not take them out of the state or bring them into another state. Potential $$ could go down the drain if you can't transport them across the line. Cull cows don't need to worry about being able to read the tattoo. If you go to a auction sale for bred cows and you hear the term - "readable tattoo" or "unreadable tattoo" Bangs is what they are refering to. If they can't read it the price may go down $100 for a bred cow.
* Up here in the northern states near Jellystone Park it is a must to have breeding stock bangs vac. The buffalo carry it and give it to the cattle - oh and humans. And then the excreation of the carrier cow can give it to other cows and humans.
Deworming
* There is different ways when this is done. This typically is done either in the fall after the first freeze. Don't know when you get your first frost down there. Up they deworm when they preg test. Or you can also do it in the spring after the green grass starts. That is when we do it. Either when we brand or when we go out on grass.
*Here's some examples of dewormers
http://stockmens.com/store/products.asp ... =Dewormers
More various vacs to look at
http://stockmens.com/store/products.asp ... e=Vaccines