Success StoryBeef Cattle Vaccinations Prove Profitable



Beef Cattle Vaccinations Prove Profitable

Author: Daniel Allen

Planning Unit: Kenton County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: 4-H Agriculture in Kenton County

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

Vaccinations are an important tool for preventing and maintain herd health for cow-calf operations.  In addition to improving overall herd health, a vaccination protocol decreases death loss and improves productivity.   The Northern Kentucky Cattle Association realized that nearly all local beef operations would benefit from such vaccination protocols.  They asked the Kenton County Agriculture Agent for a program that would address the latest recommended vaccines and the latest drugs available.  A one night vaccination program was offered to the cow calf operators.  There we 17 Kenton county residents that attended this program.  After program phone calls were made to 11 of these operators and overall they were generally positive about the class and content.  Of those that were asked, 7 out of 11 vaccinated at least some the time.  All of them stated that they understood the importance of vaccinating their herds.   When asked if they were vaccinating their calves against IBR or BVD over half of them were not.  After the recent outbreaks of BVD in our area and learning that BVD has a lasting impact on the entire herd, they were now going to vaccinate their calves. During the program it was shared with the group that the input cost was minimal for a steer, which could lead to healthier cattle and more profit.    






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