Administering vaccines is like taking out insurance. Calves should have at least had a black leg, botulism and anthrax vaccination as well as the booster dose of black leg and botulism, before weaning.

The heifers (especially those kept back as replacement heifers), must preferably be vaccinated pre-weaning against contagious abortion (CA) if the S19 vaccine is used (before 8 months of age). If the RB51 vaccine is used, the heifers can be vaccinated as soon as possible after weaning. (To get the best possible protection, RB51 should be repeated two more times before the heifers are bred for the first time).

There are also other vaccines that can be administered pre-weaning, especially if the local conditions or the feedlot to which the calves are sold require it and a premium on the weaner price can be negotiated. Calves that are prepared for the feedlot by giving specific vaccinations before weaning are less likely to get sick in the feedlot. Healthy calves begin to eat faster and have a higher feed intake - all factors that are beneficial for the feedlot.

BVD, IBR, PI₃, BRSV and Pasteurella are probably the most important respiratory diseases that can be vaccinated against. When calves are bellowing and weaned in dry and dusty conditions, experience weaning stress and have a low feed intake - the chances of the occurrence of respiratory-related diseases increase. If producers have a good relationship with feedlot buyers, a premium can be negotiated if it can be proven that these "extra" vaccinations were done before weaning.

The articles in the "management" series only aim to bring home the most important aspects of the production stage under discussion. If more in-depth information about a specific aspect is to be obtained, feel free to check whether there are other articles available under "related" articles.

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