Chute Side with CattleVacBox

Merry Christmas! We hope everyone is healthy and safe as we put the finishing touches on the longest year on record. From all of us here at CattleVacBox, thank you and best wishes to a more normal 2021. Today is officially the first day of winter. With the cold weather here for many of us, it is a good reminder that livestock vaccines must stay within the proper temperature range no matter the time of year. Yes, they need to be kept cool and protected from UV light during the summer months. But, vaccines must not be allowed to get too cold, as...

A recent Drovers article, "Add Value to Your Calves This Fall," from Dr. Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University discusses the price premium for weaned over unweaned calves, citing recent auction data showing that weaned steers earned a $49/head premium. As such, Dr. Peel recommends at least a 45-day preconditioning program which should include the following: "It is recommended that calves receive two rounds of respiratory and Clostridial vaccines. Calves vaccinated at branding should receive a second round at weaning. Otherwise, vaccinations can be done at least two weeks prior to weaning and again at weaning; or at weaning and...

With calf weaning fast approaching, now is the time to review how a proper vaccination program can add value to your livestock operation. A recent Beef Magazine web article interviews an industry veterinarian who lays out how to get the most bang for your buck from your vaccination program. These five tips are summarized below:   Assess and evaluate vaccine needs. Working with your veterinarian, conduct a vaccine program assessment no matter whether you have vaccinated your herd for years or are considering adding a vaccination protocol for the first time. Minimize stress before, during, and after vaccination. If possible, give...

The Beef Cattle Institute (BCI) at Kansas State University is another great resource for cattle producers. Its mission is to discover and deliver actionable information and tools to promote successful beef production. In its latest BCI Cattle Chat podcast, the K-State team discusses its ‘Top 6 Preventative Health Tips’ for calves prior to weaning: #1: Kill parasites; #2: Prepare calves for their new environment with water and a feed bunk; #3: Manage their nutritional needs; #4: Minimize stressors; #5: Stimulate immunity through vaccination to match the disease challenges those calves are going to face; #6: Create a comprehensive plan for...

In the August 2020 issue of Progressive Cattle, University of Idaho Extension Educator Scott Jensen dives into ‘Cool considerations for vaccine storage’. The big takeaway is to make sure your biologic livestock vaccines stay in the 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit range from the time you buy them from your local retailer until the vaccine is administered: Bring a cooler along for the trip home from the retail store; Refrigerate vaccines immediately when you get home; Keep a thermometer in your refrigerator and monitor temperature on a regular basis; When ready to use your vaccines, keep them at the right temperature inside...