Even the best calf vaccination program can’t overcome deficiencies in colostrum management, nutrition, or the environment. Follow this checklist to optimize immune response:
Maintain cow health before calving. Approximately two-thirds of calf growth occurs in the last trimester. Monitor cow body condition and ensure adequate bunk space to support cow health and fetal development.
Calve into a clean environment. Dedicate a specific maternity area for calving. Reduce pathogen transfer by removing the calf from the dam before it stands. Process the calf in a clean, dry area away from the cow.
Feed high quality colostrum within one to two hours of birth. The first feeding should be 10% to 12% of birth weight, with a second feeding 12 hours later at 5% of birth weight.
Provide adequate nutrition for growth. Strive for a one-pound average daily gain in the first week of life.1 As calves begin starter feed intake, don’t forget the importance of water intake to optimize growth and immunity.
Maintain comfort and cleanliness. Calf pens should be clean, dry, well-bedded and properly ventilated to prevent pathogen exposure.
Administer an intranasal vaccine. Intranasal vaccination is less stressful than an injection and reduces the chance of maternal antibodies preventing immune response.
BOVILIS® NASALGEN® 3 offers protection against common respiratory viruses (IBR, BRSV, PI3), and BOVILIS NASALGEN 3-PMH adds bacterial protection (Pasteurella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica) for a strong, healthy foundation.
Be the first to comment