Success StoryBoone County Cattle Producers Incorporate Vaccination Programs to Improve Herd Health by Utilizing Modified Live Vaccines



Boone County Cattle Producers Incorporate Vaccination Programs to Improve Herd Health by Utilizing Modified Live Vaccines

Author: Michelle Simon

Planning Unit: Campbell County CES

Major Program: Beef

Plan of Work: Beef Cattle Production

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Boone County Extension ANR Agent partnered with UK Extension Ruminant Veterinarian, Dr. Michelle Arnold, to stress the importance of preventative health management in cattle to Boone County cattle producers. Within the last four years anaplasmosis and Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) have become more prominent in northern Kentucky and increased the need for producers to vaccinate cattle to protect against infections and loss of profit. A program was held in September to allow ample time for producers to prepare for the incorporation of a vaccination program prior to breeding season and while fall calves are under the 6 month age range when pre-weaning vaccinations need to occur. Producers were taught to fine-tune their nutrition and mineral program first since cattle that are deficient in nutrients and minerals will not have the necessary body condition and calories to become pregnant and reproduce. Producers were taught the next step of researching what health issues and diseases they need to be concerned about in the area and then worked through a schedule of vaccinations to administer. Since 100% of the producers participating in the program calved year round it was impossible to incorporate modified live vaccines into their protocol since modified live vaccines (MLV) will cause abortions in pregnant females. After discussion and strategy, several producers have incorporated MLV into their vaccination schedule for weaned heifers that have potential as replacement cows to increase their immunity to diseases. These heifers receiving an improved vaccine provides better protection before they enter the cow herd and receive killed vaccines in the future that will not protect them as well, but will not cause abortions. Overall, producers learned how to improve their herd health by incorporating a modified live vaccine without incurring losses.






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