Cattle need vaccinations to help maintain their health, just like humans do. Vaccines for cattle help protect them from viruses, bacteria and dangerous protozoans. While they cannot prevent exposure to an infection, they can help protect the animal and stimulate an immune response, preventing an infection or lessening the severity. We’ll explore the ins and outs of beef cattle vaccinations in this blog. For more on caring for your herd, big or small, visit our website.
Different Types of Vaccines
Most vaccines contain either modified live, killed or chemically-altered organisms to help protect your cattle. Each type is a little different and has its own pros and cons. Your veterinarian can help you determine which ones are best for your herd. It’s important to note which are safe for use with pregnant cows. While modified live vaccines (MLV) are common, inexpensive and highly effective, they carry a risk of miscarriage if used improperly.
Storing and Administering Vaccines
Vaccines are only approved by the FDA according to their directions. That means proper storage and administration must be followed in order for the vaccine to be fully effective. Store at the proper temperature, and don’t expose to sunlight. If reconstituting a dehydrated cake, that new mixture is only viable for a short period of time. Disinfectants used on a needle can kill the live vaccine, rendering it ineffective.
The Whole Picture
While vaccines are an important part of maintaining a healthy herd, they’re only one piece of the puzzle. Ranchers must ensure their cattle are receiving the proper nutrients from their diet to stay healthy and supplement with minerals if necessary vitamins are missing. For more information on cattle gut health, another important part of raising cattle, check out this blog.
Routine vaccines and boosters can help your herd thrive and stay protected against dangerous viruses. They play an important role in your ranching strategy. For more information on our ranch and history, visit our website.
