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Value Added Performance: Genetics, health, management--all of the above. By Randall Spare, DVM, Ashland Vet Clinic Many cow-calf producers have embraced change, accepting the use of EPDs to enhance performance in their cowherd. The willingness to adapt to the challenges of producing cattle that is genetically superior needs to be pushed further. We must now ask ourselves, "How can I manage for an animal that will withstand the disease pressures placed upon it in the current feeding practices?" Health must be a primary concern. It makes no difference whether a producer sells the calves at weaning or retains ownership. The Texas Ranch to Rail program documents that one treatment for respiratory disease has an associated cost of $93/head. Using this information, we must embrace changes necessary to insure there is minimal health problems associated with the feeding period. The following practices will insure that all of the genetic potential will be maximized in the feedyard. Maximum health in calves starts with sound nutrition, appropriate vaccination and bio-security programs in the cowherd. Also, common sense animal husbandry in the calves to minimize the additive effect of stress. As buyers and feeders become more knowledgeable about the factors relating to good health, they will make astute observations relating to the following management practices. A sound nutrition program insures a high quality and quantity of colostrum is provided to newborn calves. The healthfulness of the animal is subject to colostral intake and absorption. In our practice, we encourage producers to supplement colostrum, if the dam or the newborn has been exposed to extreme weather, or dystocia difficulties, especially in the first calf heifer. Mineral formulation and supplementation is important so that minerals important for optimum immune function are in place when the animals are exposed to vaccinations and/or actual disease. Vaccination and bio-security programs reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. BVD continues to be a major cause in insidious health problems as well as large devastating health losses. Advancement in BVD diagnostics allows large groups of animals to be screened for BVD virus. If BVD is present, those carriers can be removed from the cowherd. Any new additions to a herd should be tested and quarantined for BVD. Recent observations show that a sound vaccination program in the cowherd will decrease the risk of disease in the feeding period. Much has been written about the need for vaccination of calves while still on the cow. Stimulating the immune system prior to weaning starts the animal off toward good health later in life. As the animal is weaned, it is appropriate to vaccinate again and then possibly two weeks after weaning. The benefit of weaning calves on the ranch is greater than the risks of weaning after shipping to a feedyard. In looking at possibilities of weaning at the ranch, one might consider weaning calves across the fence from the cow. This relieves the anxiety of not being able to see and nurse the cow, while the calf becomes accustomed to eating a ration. If there are health problems, you as a rancher are more equipped to handle the situation than a large feedlot. After the calves are weaned and accustomed to a ration, they can go to wheat pasture, grass or a feedyard. As I observe cattle in feedyards, calf crops that are weaned and well vaccinated before coming, have very few health problems. These are the cattle whose genetic potential is fully maximized. Printed with permission from Gardiner Angus Ranch --The GAR Report, 5-2001 |
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