By Kim Watson, editor Beef Today An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so the saying goes. And with animal health, like human health, preventive measures typically cost less and have better results compared to treating after a disease is evident. In addition, research and record analysis show that keeping the herd healthy improves efficiency and reduces the overall cost of production. So what do most veterinarians recommend to keep your herd healthy?
- Work with your veterinarian to build an overall herd health program. Don’t just rely on your veterinarian to come in and treat cattle when they are sick or injured, but rather seek his or her input to create a plan of action to prevent disease. Share herd records to help find where animal health issues could be eating away at potential profits.
- Vaccinate cattle to help boost herd immunity and curb costly diseases that are in your area.
- Follow up initial vaccination doses with recommended boosters/
- Read and follow vaccine label instructions.
- Understand Beef Quality Assurance guidelines on where and how to give injections in order to reduce the chance for injection-site blemishes.
- Boost immunity through proper nutrition and herd management.
The Early-Spring issue of Beef Today focuses on animal health issues and provides detailed information on building a herd health program “Put a Lock Down.” Other stories in the issue include: assessing the herds’ risk of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus, controlling pinkeye and the continuing battle to control tuberculosis and brucellosis. You can find those stories and more under the current issue at www.beeftoday.com.
To contact Kim Watson, e-mail kwatson@farmjournal.com.
