Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-6342 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

 

Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor

Phone: (307) 766-6342

E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu

Archived News Site www.uwyo.edu/agadmin/news/news.htm

 

Date: March 27, 2007

 

New UW bulletin suggests how to establish, maintain cattle health program

 

            Now is a good time to develop or refine the current herd health program while waiting for the next calving run.

            A basic herd health schedule for spring calving herds has been recommended by Steve Paisley, University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service beef specialist. The bulletin, Herd Health Programs for Spring Calving Beef Herds, is available online at http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/MP120-1.pdf. Hardcopies are also available. Ordering information is below.

            “For potential replacement females, the overall herd health program begins prior to birth and continues throughout her productive life while in the herd,” writes Paisley. “A health program not only helps maintain healthy animals, it also serves as an insurance policy helping eliminate the chances of outbreaks that could be financially devastating.”

            Paisley said working with a veterinarian is one of the most importance aspects of establishing a herd health program. A veterinarian can help recommend products and vaccination schedules that best fit an environment and livestock operation, he said. The veterinarian can also offer tips to maximize a herd’s response to vaccination and improve overall protection.

            Developing a comprehensive herd health program for the entire year is important to guarantee adequate immunity throughout the year, said Paisley. He provides an example herd-health schedule in the bulletin.

            He also includes a “Top Ten” list of practices that include:

1.  Reading and following label directions for all vaccines, antibiotics, and parasite control products.

2.  Follow proper Beef Quality Assurance guidelines, and place all shots in front of the shoulder.

3.  Use very hot water (180 degrees) to sterilize equipment. Time isn’t as important as temperature.  As long as it’s at least 180 degrees, simply filling and emptying the syringe three times will work – allowing the syringe to cool approximately five minutes before using. Do not use disinfectants when administering modified live vaccines.

4.  Keep all vaccines out of direct sunlight to protect from ultraviolet light damage, and store in a cool place – even when the product is loaded in the syringe.

5.  Color code or mark syringes to avoid mixing or giving an incorrect dose.

6.  Do not administer more than 10 cc of product per injection site

7.  To maintain maximum effectiveness, mix only enough vaccine to be used in one hour or less.

8.  Choose the correct needle for the job, and replace needles often.

9.  Observe the proper withdrawal times for all antibiotics.

10. Keep records of vaccinations, medications, and feed additives used.

            Hardcopies of the bulletin are available for 50 cents each and can be obtained by e-mailing the College of Agriculture’s Resource Center at bixbyd@uwyo.edu, calling the center at (307) 766-2115, or writing to the University of Wyoming, College of Agriculture, Department 3313, 1000 E. University Ave., Laramie, WY 82071

            Paisley can be reached at (307) 766-5541 or spaisley@uwyo.edu.

###