For cattlemen with a spring calving season, this time of year is especially important.
Dr. Bob Judd, host of Texas Vet News on the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Radio Network, reports now is the time to pregnancy check cows and evaluate an entire herd before winter.
“The price of cull cows at this point is relatively high,” Dr. Judd said. “It is probably not worth keeping any open (non-pregnant) cows through the winter.”
If the cow herd was not vaccinated in the spring, now is the time to administer respiratory and reproductive vaccines.
“Either kill vaccines or modified-live vaccines can be used, but if you use a modified live vaccine, make sure it is approved for pregnant cows. Some are not,” Dr. Judd said.
In general, it is at least important to vaccinate for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), leptospirosis and vibrio, but check with your local bovine veterinarian to determine if other vaccines are recommended in your specific area.
“Vaccinating cows prior to calving is really a good idea because vaccinating this time of year the cows will have a high titer, which will be transferred to the calves in the colostrum. It helps them fight off disease,” Dr. Judd said.
Treating for internal and external parasites is also important this time of year. Cows with fewer parasites eat better, milk better and produce a healthier calf.
Make sure especially first-calf heifers and all cows have efficient energy and protein for fetal development and calving,” Dr. Judd said.
Ranchers may need to separate heifers from older cows as they may need to be fed differently.
Dr. Judd’s full report can be heard here: http://bit.ly/1Qhtzrg.