Health-Nutrition

Autogenous Vaccines

Custom vaccines can help protect herds against specific environmental hazards.

Until you’ve tried it a few times, the word “autogenous” might not roll easily off the tongue. It’s not a word that cow folk use much. In medical lingo, it’s a word used to describe something generated or produced from within a body. When talking about an autogenous vaccine, a veterinarian is referring to a vaccine produced from specific pathogens present in a herd, to immunize that same herd against disease caused by those pathogens. In cowboy-speak, it’s a custom vaccine.

Effective parasite control begins with understanding active ingredients.

Using parasiticides in cattle without considering the active ingredients in those products presents dangers for an operation. Using different parasiticide active ingredients can extend the effectiveness of parasite control products and play a significant role in the management of healthier cattle.

Gestational nutrition sets calves up for success, especially during early development.

Fetal programming isn’t a new concept in the health-care community; expecting mothers are quickly advised to take prenatal vitamins and stick to a healthy diet. Gestating bovines might just follow suit.

Parasite and tick control key to preventing anaplasmosis.

Anaplasmosis is a widespread concern to the U.S. beef industry. Cattle in nearly every state are affected by the blood-borne disease that with proper management can be controlled within your herd.

When giving any vaccine, it is always important to read the label.

“As producers and veterinarians, we may listen to a talk or presentation where someone is telling us that a certain vaccine can be used off label, or that this particular protocol worked well in this particular situation, etc. but this may not be the case in every situation,” says Tom Hairgrove, extension veterinarian with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

A veterinarian, a stocker and a feedlot manager share their unique perspectives about what works in managing BRD.

Involved with cattle since he was a boy, Tanner Stucky says he keeps an open mind in this business because there’s always more to learn. “Everyone you meet can usually teach you something different,” said Stucky, yard manager at Tiffany Cattle Co., near Herington, Kan.

They also offer alternative to toxic fescue at key times.

Cattle producers wanting to stretch the grazing season might want to add native warm-season grasses to their operations, says Jim Humphrey, University of Missouri (MU) Extension livestock specialist.

ANGUS BEEF BULLETIN EXTRA