4 Cattle Diseases and Preventions - Critical Tips To Take Precaution When Raising Cattle For Profits

As with any purchase it is important that you get
value for your money even when you are buying
your first cattle breed. If you are uncertain
about how to purchase a beef animal then it
would be best to deal with someone who is
ethical and understands this side of the
business. This could include a family member,
friend, neighbor, local farmer or County Agent.
Here are 4 important cattle diseases and
preventions to be aware of when buying cattle
breed. The idea is to not go into a purchase
with little or no information or background.

1. Clostridial Diseases

A group of related diseases may cause sudden
death, especially in young, growing cattle.
These diseases are Blackleg, Enterotoxemia, etc.
Good vaccines are available and cattle should be
vaccinated early in life with boosters at
appropriate times. Your veterinarian can help
you select the proper vaccine and outline a time
schedule. This would include a 7-way Clostridial
vaccine at 2-3 months of age and a second
booster at weaning.

2. Respiratory Disease (pneumonia) stress

Weather changes and infectious agents may all be
involved and are most common in calves soon after
weaning. Minimize stress at this time and provide
protection from the elements, such as a shed and
windbreak. Develop a vaccination program with
your veterinarian including IBR (infectious
bovine rhinotracheitis), PI3 (parainfluenza type
3), BRSV (bovine respiratory syncytial virus) and
BVD (bovine virus diarrhea). A minimal program
for respiratory disease would include an intra
nasal vaccination with IBR and PI3 at 2-3 months
of age and a vaccination at weaning containing a
modified live virus (MLV) for IBR, PI3, BRSV,
and BVD.

3. Parasite Control

When cattle are grazed on the same pastures
every year, internal parasites may become a
problem. In this situation deworming is needed
to minimize parasite load and allow proper
gains. Specific products to use and the time are
critical considerations and depend on your
grazing program. Your local veterinarian is best
prepared to provide advice. External parasites of
concern include lice, (common in winter) and horn
flies (common in summer). Both need to be
controlled, and several pesticides and methods
of application are available.

4. General

Injections of any type may cause lesions if
injected into the muscles. All injections should
be given subcutaneously (under the skin) when
possible. Muscles in the neck can be used if it
is necessary that intramuscular injections be
given. DO NOT make injections into the hind
quarters (rear legs or hip). Be sure to keep
records of all treatments and always follow the
withdrawal times as directed. The directions on
the product will indicate how long the animal
must be withheld from slaughter after use of the
specific product. Always follow all directions on
the label.

----------------------------------------------------
Raising beef cattle can enhance quality of life
and provide amazing joy and responsibility for
families. Explore your alternatives and then
decide. If you would like more advance tips on
cattle diseases and health management, please
visit: http://www.howtoraisecattle.com

EasyPublish this article: http://submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=209302

>