What are the pros and cons to each type of vaccine? Been using Virashield, a killed vaccine. But the CPH sales and others require using s modified live or live vaccine on the calves. Just curious the differences, friend of ours says live vaccines can make some sick. Also I know some of them you cannot give to a bred cow or calf nursing one. Thanks.
Killed or live vaccines?
- Thread starter tom4018
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jerry27150
Well-known member
they claim the killed vaccine (which i use) doesn't give lasting immunity, but can be used on any cattle whether pregnant or not. live is supposed to be used on weaned calves or non-pregnant animals & gives lifetime immunity from one dose.
Live vaccines can cause abortion in short bred cows but gives a longer immunity period. We use killed vaccine in the fall on the cows and live on the calves since they're weaned the day we work them. In the spring we use live on both cows and calves and by the time we breed the danger of abortion or not settling has passed.
dun
dun
Farmgirl
Well-known member
I understand the live or killed virus thing. I don't understand vaccinating every 6 months. Jeffers recommends vaccinating annually for lepto and blackleg.
Any comments?
Any comments?
tom4018":5xa3f3vy said:
Yes, annual boosters are recommended. Research INDICATES that the animal MAY have lifetime protection after properly using LIVE vaccines, but this is not a sure thing & boosters are recommended.
Live vaccines are CHEAPER than killed.
Vet would recommend vaccinating every 6 months because he knows the protection on killed only lasts a few months.
Live vaccines cannot be used on pregnant cows or nusing calves, EXCEPT Pfizer's BoviShield products are approved IF the cow is first vaccinated prior to breeding.
So we vaccinated our cows at least 2 weeks prior to breeding. Than we can vaccinate our calves during the summer while they are still nursing so that they are protected well before they are stressed at weaning.
