A proper program for deworming and external parasites is
necessary because they can severely impact the immune system of calves.
cattle and suppresses the immune system,” Johnson says. “The incubation for BVD is longer than IBR but it generally shows up seven to 12 days post-exposure. A lengthy suppressed immune system can keep calves from responding to treatment.” Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and
parainfl uenza virus-3 (PI3) also create conditions for bacterial diseases in calves. Johnson adds that bacte-
rial pneumonia, whether it is Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni or Mycoplasma bovis “are always lurking in the background.” “These bacterial diseases are just waiting for an
opportunity; stress, viruses, dust, diesel smoke or something else out there will help set them off. In addition, parasites can also be really hard on the im- mune system. Internal and external parasites can set up some real problems in fresh cattle.”
What is a good preconditioning program? Many stocker operators know the reputation of the
ranchers who supply them with calves. They know the type of animal health and weaning programs the calves have seen. But what if you aren’t familiar with a ranch? That is where the cow-calf operator’s detailed records, and maybe even a third-party verifi cation, are essential. “I want to see that the calves were part of an ag-
gressive animal health plan that included virals (IBR, BVD, PI3 and BRSV),” Johnson says. “Pneumonia vac-
cine with Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida is a must. I may also need to see Histophilus somni or possibly Mycoplasma bovis, depending on
location and situation. “Make sure calves received 2 rounds of viral vaccine
and that vaccine label instructions were followed. In addition, 2 rounds of vaccinations to prevent blackleg are needed. In addition, in certain areas, vaccination against the clostridial disease redwater [bacillary he- moglobinuria, caused by Clostridium haemolythticum] may be needed. Early vaccination is crucial to protect
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their health, especially where lung disease is concerned. Also, a proper program for deworming and external parasites is necessary because they can severely impact the immune system of calves.” Find out if cattle have been exposed to other dis-
eases, such as anaplasmosis. “Good vaccination and doctoring records are an absolute must,” Johnson says. “Processing maps are necessary also. Having a vaccine and doctoring protocol in writing is necessary and keeps everyone on track. Antibiotic use must be tracked for BQA (Beef Quality Assurance program standards) and to help you manage any sickness in the calves. Know- ing your success rates, re-pulls and performance data are keys to being profi table.” McCollum and Johnson agree that with pressure
on producers to use fewer antibiotics, it is even more important to know the type of preconditioning program they had. “How were they managed before being sold?” McCollum asks. “What did they go through during procurement and transportation? What are the condi- tions, labor availability and management processes after they arrive? “The restrictions on some of the tools we have to
treat and manage cattle with, specifi cally antibiotics, are being tightened, so we need to know what we can do from a management standpoint to improve handling and reduce the stressors that lead to health problems.” It is important to know what type of nutrition was
provided to calves during and after weaning. Depending on the time of year and location, vitamin and mineral supplementation may be needed when they arrive. McCollum says stocker operators should be ready to ease cattle into their new environment. “Comingling, nutrition, handling and processing can be addressed post-arrival by the owner and others tending to the calves,” he says. “Address those factors that can reduce the stress load on the calves.” Johnson points out that it is important to know the
order buyer. “If I am purchasing sale barn calves, I want to get possession of those calves ASAP,” he says. “How these calves are physically handled and the sanitation of the facilities and trucks are crucial.” Buying fresh calves can provide profi t potential. “If
you have the ability to handle fresh calves, including labor, expertise, facilities and a good stocker cattle veterinarian, sometimes there are some really good opportunities out there,” Johnson says. “Just be sure you have the experience and help to handle these calves. There is nothing wrong with capitalizing on other people’s poor management.”
September 2016 The Cattleman 109
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