Calf Vaccination: Protecting Your Herd
Why Vaccinate Calves?
Vaccinating calves early in life is a proactive approach to protect them from potentially devastating diseases. A calf’s immune system is still developing, making them vulnerable to infections. Vaccines help build a strong immune foundation, setting the stage for a healthy and productive life. Moreover, consulting resources such as the AABP Vaccination Guidelines can further enhance your understanding of the scientific literature, vaccine types, and potential adverse events associated with cattle vaccination.
Building a Strong Immune System
Think of vaccines as training exercises for the immune system. They expose calves to weakened or inactive versions of disease-causing agents, without actually causing illness4. This exposure allows the calf’s body to recognize and remember these threats, so if they encounter them later in life, the immune system can mount a rapid and effective defense.
Herd Immunity
Vaccinating calves also contributes to herd immunity, which protects the entire cattle population. When a large percentage of animals are vaccinated, it reduces the spread of disease, safeguarding even those that aren’t vaccinated, such as very young calves or those with compromised immune systems.
When to Vaccinate: Timing is Key
The timing of vaccinations is crucial for maximizing their effectiveness. You want to administer vaccines when the calf’s immune system is mature enough to respond, but before they are exposed to disease.
The Role of Colostrum
Newborn calves receive crucial antibodies from their mother’s colostrum, the first milk produced after birth. These antibodies provide temporary protection, but they gradually decline over the first few months of life.
Optimal Vaccination Window
Generally, the ideal time to begin vaccinating calves is around 3 to 4 months of age. This is when maternal antibodies start to wane, and the calf’s immune system becomes more responsive to vaccination.
Vaccination Schedules
There are several recommended vaccination schedules, and the best one for your herd will depend on your specific circumstances and risk factors. A veterinarian can help you design a tailored program, but here are some common approaches:
Branding (2-4 Months)
This is a convenient time to administer initial vaccines, as calves are already being handled for other procedures like castration and dehorning. Consider a 7- or 8-way clostridial vaccine, along with modified-live virus (MLV) injectables for IBR, BVD, PI3, and BRSV. Another option includes intranasal IBR, PI3, BRSV with an injectable MLV-BVD.
Pre-Weaning (2-4 Weeks Before)
Administer booster shots to reinforce the initial vaccinations. Use injectable MLV vaccines for IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, and Mannheimia/Pasteurella. You can also give a booster clostridial vaccine.
Weaning
Weaning is a stressful time for calves, so it’s important to ensure they are adequately protected. Consider administering the same booster vaccines as in the pre-weaning stage. Let calves rest overnight to reduce cortisol levels before processing to enable better immune response.
Core Vaccines for Calves
While specific vaccine needs may vary, some vaccines are considered essential for most calf vaccination programs.
Viral Respiratory Diseases
These vaccines protect against common respiratory viruses that can cause pneumonia and other illnesses. Key components include:
- Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR)
- Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD)
- Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV)
- Parainfluenza-3 Virus (PI3)
Clostridial Diseases
Clostridial bacteria live in the soil and can cause a variety of deadly diseases, such as blackleg, malignant edema, and tetanus. A 7- or 8-way clostridial vaccine is a standard recommendation. These vaccines typically cover:
- Clostridium chauvoei
- C. septicum
- C. novyi
- C. sordellii
- C. perfringens types C & D
- C. haemolyticum
- C. tetani
Additional Considerations
Beyond the core vaccines, several other factors can influence your calf vaccination strategy.
Replacement Heifers
If you are raising heifers for breeding, consider vaccinating against reproductive diseases like leptospirosis and brucellosis. Consult your veterinarian and follow state regulations for brucellosis vaccination.
Scours Prevention
If calf scours (diarrhea) is a recurring problem, consider vaccinating pregnant cows to boost antibody levels in their colostrum. Scour vaccines are available for E. coli K99, Rotavirus, Coronavirus, and Clostridium perfringens.
Modified Live vs. Killed Vaccines
Modified-live vaccines (MLV) generally provide broader immunity and longer-lasting protection compared to killed vaccines. However, MLV vaccines are not recommended for pregnant animals or calves under stress.
Work with Your Veterinarian
Your veterinarian is your best resource for developing a customized calf vaccination program. They can assess your herd’s specific risks, recommend appropriate vaccines, and advise on proper administration techniques. Also, remember to consult resources like the Vaccination Programs for Beef Cattle by the Merck Veterinary Manual for additional information.
By implementing a comprehensive calf vaccination program, you can significantly improve the health and productivity of your herd, ensuring a profitable and sustainable cattle operation.
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