Pre-calving vaccination good way to protect calf

Vaccines are important tools for reducing the risk from infectious disease.

Vaccinating cows and heifers before calving increases the quality of colostrum, which protects the newborn calf.

“Typically, we vaccinate the cow to protect the cow. In this case we are also targeting her calf by helping her create better colostrum,” said Cheryl Waldner, professor in the department of large animal clinical sciences at the University of Saskatchewan.

There are several kinds of vaccines used pre-calving and the ones most appropriate, safe and effective will vary by herd.

Heifers and cows not previously vaccinated will require two doses to ensure a good response. This also applies to any purchased cows with an unknown vaccine history.

“The first and the one most producers think about is scour vaccines. With scour vaccines, if it’s the first time an animal’s been vaccinated or if you’re uncertain of the vaccine history, then most vaccines that are on the market will require two doses,” said Waldner.