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To combat injection site problems with clostridial vaccinations, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica introduced the idea of administering their Alpha 7 clostridial in the base of the ear. Two years later, feedlots are hailing its success. "We've placed the vaccine in the ear since the fall of 1997," says Charlie Phillips with Beef Belt Feeders in Scott City, Kan. "After vaccinating several thousand head, we haven't had a problem." Phillips said about 90 percent of the cattle in the feedyard receive the vaccine. "No matter where you give a clostridial, you'll get a knot. If the vaccine is given correctly, the knot should peel off with the hide when the animal is slaughtered, but sometimes that's just not the case. By giving the shot in the ear, you eliminate the problem all together," Phillips says.
Wayne Cole, manager of cattle biologicals at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, says the program was developed for yards just like Poky Feeders. "We knew there were yards with a few trim problems, and they were interested in looking at alternatives to what they were doing," Cole explains. "By placing the injection in the base of the ear, we've moved any reaction away from the meat source." Morrison admits that some big or swollen ears occur, but the swelling is limited to the base of the ear. "In the past 18 months, we've had reactions in about three ears. We drain it and give the calf an antibiotic. He heals up and keeps eating." In the beginning Morrison says he was concerned with the safety of trying to place a needle in an ear with cattle slinging their head and such. "But it doesn't seem to bother the calves any more than an implant," he says. "Boehringer Ingelheim's reps spent a few days at the yard teaching us the proper technique, and now it's just routine." If a yard is interested in starting the program, Cole says Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica will go through a training program and actually work some cattle with the feedyard to make sure the workers are placing the vaccine in the proper location. The success of the program has prompted further research with alternative injection sites. "We're researching other injection sites for Alpha 7," says Cole. Other studies are also underway using other products at the base of the ear. If you are interested in developing the program at your yard, contact your Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica representative or call (800) 821-7467. |
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