The NebGuide details recommendations for a beef cattle herd immunization program.
This NebGuide presents two flow sheets which detail the recommendations for a beef cattle herd immunization program: the Calf through Weaning Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet and the Heifers, Cows and Bulls Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet. While this NebGuide emphasizes the procedures conducted on cattle at each cattle handling opportunity, it is very important to note the role a high quality nutritional program plays in building a total herd health program. You are encouraged to work with a qualified beef cattle nutritionist and your veterinarian when developing your herd health program

Griffin, Dicky D.

Hamilton, Eddie

Perino, Louis

Rupp, Gary

English

DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska

University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension 1997 G97-1313 Designing Preventive Health Management Programs for Cattle Producers Dicky D. Griffin University of Nebraska - Lincoln, dgriffin2@unl.edu Louis Perino West Texas A&M University Gary Rupp University of Nebraska - Lincoln, grupp1@unl.edu Eddie Hamilton University of Nebraska - Lincoln Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist  Part of the Agriculture Commons, and the Curriculum and Instruction Commons Griffin, Dicky D.; Perino, Louis; Rupp, Gary; and Hamilton, Eddie, "G97-1313 Designing Preventive Health Management Programs for Cattle Producers" (1997). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. 340. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/340 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. G97-1313-A (Revised October 1997)  Designing Preventive Health Management Programs for Cattle Producers Dee Griffin, DVM, Extension Beef Veterinarian Louis Perino, DVM, Beef Research Veterinarian1 Gary Rupp, DVM, Beef Cattle Veterinarian Eddie Hamilton, DVM, Extension Beef Veterinarian z Health Management Decisions  z Health Management Flow Sheets  z Conclusion   This NebGuide presents two flow sheets which detail the recommendations for a beef cattle herd immunization program: the Calf through Weaning Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet and the Heifers, Cows and Bulls Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet. While this NebGuide emphasizes the procedures conducted on cattle at each cattle handling opportunity, it is very important to note the role a high quality nutritional program plays in building a total herd health program. You are encouraged to work with a qualified beef cattle nutritionist and your veterinarian when developing your herd health program. Health Management Decisions Evaluating the economic efficiency of health management procedures can be difficult. Designing a program for a beef production unit requires an in-depth understanding of the unique circumstances that influence health and production. Misinterpreting the relationship of these circumstances causes unnecessary expenditures. For example, closed herds (herds that do not bring in animals from outside sources without a stringent quarantine period) may get minimal benefit from a number of the vaccines offered because the animals are seldom exposed to disease causing agents and thus the vaccines are just not needed. In herds that are The NebGuide details recommendations for a beef cattle herd immunization program.maintained relatively closed, it is important that new herd additions be quarantined and their health be re-evaluated before they are added to the herd. On the other extreme, open herds which have frequent movement of animals into the herd may get minimal benefit from available vaccines. This is due to the high level of exposure to disease causing agents and the lag time between development of an adequate immune response following disease exposure. This includes many disease causing agents for which no vaccines are available. A primary consideration in these herds must include minimizing environmental, nutritional and animal handling stress. These added stresses can be important factors in animals mounting an adequate immune response. Regardless of the type of herd maintained, producers should work closely with their veterinarian to evaluate the type of herd health management program needed and work toward constant improvement in the health status of the herd. Health Management Flow Sheets The herd health management flow sheets (Figures 1 and 2) are intended as guidelines. It is still important to seek the expertise of a veterinarian. The immunization skeleton suggests immunologically sound procedures that in most cases will assure economic efficiency, plus reduce health risk. Throughout the Calf through Weaning Flow Sheet (Figure 1), other procedures are included to meet the needs of rational health and production management. These provide the producer with alternate marketing opportunities including retained ownership. Both flow sheets prioritize health management procedures. Highly recommended procedures are marked with an * and procedures of questionable value are marked with a ?. The Calf through Weaning Flow Sheet includes the use of a modified live viral (MLV) and bacterial vaccine in calves at branding. There are no label warnings about the use of modified live products in calves prior to bull turn out. There is some concern about MLVs delaying conception one heat cycle if used concurrently with bull turn out. Immunization of calves at this age will prime the immune system and may prevent a delayed immune response to vaccines given at weaning. Early vaccination will reduce health problems at weaning and improve the production potential for retained ownership. The Calf through Weaning Flow Sheet encourages early castration and the use of implants in calves between 45 and 90 days of age. Implanting will increase weaning weights approximately five percent. Heifers may be included in the implanting schedule but should not be re-implanted if they are intended for replacements. Bulls intended for breeding should never be implanted. Heifers intended for breeding should not be implanted before 45 to 90 days of age. Conclusion A sound health management program includes the proper selection and use of vaccines and a quality nutritional program. Evaluation of the production and economic efficiency of a beef production unit is a vital step in building a long-term program. Following rationally sound and properly timed vaccination programs such as those outlined in the Calf through Weaning Flow Sheet and the Heifers, Cows and Bulls Flow Sheet is important. Vaccination programs should be incorporated with other herd management procedures when possible to optimize marketing management.  Figure 1. Calf through Weaning Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet for Birth through Growing Phase (This flow sheet is a starting point but visit with your veterinarian before making final decisions.)NOTE: The principle objective of this flow sheet is for each calf to get a priming Modified Live Virus vaccine prior to the weaning! Other management activities are included for you and your veterinarian's consideration. NOTE: Items with an * are highly recommended procedures and items with a ? have questionable value. Background on premise: No vaccines required if two MLV virus and 2-way modern pasteurella pre-weaning vaccines given or unless mixed with other non-vaccinated calves. No implant needed and can deworm in feed if implanted pre-weaning. Consider revaccinating with modified live IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV. Feedlot: MLV: IBR*, BVD*, PI3*, BRSV* (Clostridial?, Lepto?, H. somus?, Past H/M? vaccines of doubtful benefit at this time), High Quality Dewormer Implant (back calculate from packer) (If implanted at pre-weaning, delay first implant 45-60 days.) (Replacement Heifers only: Using Brucellosis 1-2 months post weaning will lower combined stresses.)Calf at Birth:Dehorn*, Castrate*, Iodine Navel, ID tag.* If dystocia, milk dam & give calf 1 pint colostrum/20 lbs of calf weight.*Calf Prior To Breeding Cow:Vaccinate, dehorn and castrate all calves.* Implant with a product designed for calves.* Follow the implant manufacturer's directions. Never implant bull calves intended for breedingVaccines to consider: 4 way MLV IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV* 2 way modern pasteurella* 4/7 way Clostridial 2ml modern product* 5 way Lepto?Calf Pre-Weaning (2 to 4 weeks):Pre-weaning vaccination may not be as important if calves were vaccinated at the pre-breeding opportunity or if calves will be backgrounded on premises. Weigh calves individually.Vaccines to consider: IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV* (select one safe for use around pregnant cows) 4/7 Clostridial 2 ml product (include tetanus if banding) 5 way Lepto? 2 way modern pasteurella* Implant (important if calves will be backgrounded on premises)Calf at Weaning:Weigh all calves individually only if calves will be going through a chute for other management objectives.Figure 2. Heifers, Cows & Bulls Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet for the Cow Herd when Replacements are Promoted from Growing Program to the Herd (Visit with your veterinarian before making final decisions about your herd.) Note: Items with an * are highly recommended procedures. Items with a ? are of questionable value. 1Louis J. Perino, DVM, PhD, Beef Research Veterinarian, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas. File G1313 under: BEEF C-13, Beef Management Revised October 1997; 2,000 printed.  Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Elbert C. Dickey, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.Heifers/Cows Bulls Before entering the herd (3 to 4 weeks pre-breeding) MLV: IBR*, BVD*, PI3? 5 way Lepto+Vibrio-oil* 4/7/8 way Clostridium*Pre-breeding/Post-calving (best 3 to 4 week pre-breeding) MLV: IBR, BVD, PI3? (every 3-5 years)5 way Lepto+Vibrio-oil booster* Deworm (fall calving) as neededPost-breeding Preg exam* Scour vaccine as needed (heifers need priming dose) Deworm (spring calving) as needed5 way Lepto booster Grub control Lice control as neededMoved to Calving Pastures (3 to 7 weeks pre-calving) Scour vaccine booster 4/7/8 way Clostridium? Vitamin A-D? (spring) (best to feed vitamin fortified supplement)Lice control as neededCull Check withdrawals*End of Growing Period MLV: IBR*, BVD*, PI3? 5 way Lepto? 4/7/8 way Clostridium*Pre-breeding (best 3 to 4 week pre-breeding) MLV: IBR, BVD, PI3? (3-5 years) 5 way Lepto+Vibrio-oil 4/7/8 way Clostridium* Deworm? + Lice control as needed Breeding Soundness Exam*Cull Check withdrawals* Never inject the rear leg Avoid IM injections Select sub-Q products Never change dose without your Vets O.K.Follow withdrawal times

G97-1313 Designing Preventive Health Management Programs for Cattle Producers

UNL | Libraries

University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
Historical Materials from University of 
Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Extension 
1997 
G97-1313 Designing Preventive Health Management Programs for 
Cattle Producers 
Dicky D. Griffin 
University of Nebraska - Lincoln, dgriffin2@unl.edu 
Louis Perino 
West Texas A&M University 
Gary Rupp 
University of Nebraska - Lincoln, grupp1@unl.edu 
Eddie Hamilton 
University of Nebraska - Lincoln 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist 
 Part of the Agriculture Commons, and the Curriculum and Instruction Commons 
Griffin, Dicky D.; Perino, Louis; Rupp, Gary; and Hamilton, Eddie, "G97-1313 Designing Preventive Health 
Management Programs for Cattle Producers" (1997). Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-
Lincoln Extension. 340. 
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/extensionhist/340 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Extension at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - 
Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Historical Materials from University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension by an 
authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. 
G97-1313-A 
(Revised October 1997) 
 
Designing Preventive Health Management 
Programs for Cattle Producers 
Dee Griffin, DVM, Extension Beef Veterinarian 
Louis Perino, DVM, Beef Research Veterinarian1 
Gary Rupp, DVM, Beef Cattle Veterinarian 
Eddie Hamilton, DVM, Extension Beef Veterinarian 
? Health Management Decisions  
? Health Management Flow Sheets  
? Conclusion  
 
This NebGuide presents two flow sheets which detail the recommendations for a beef cattle herd 
immunization program: the Calf through Weaning Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet and the 
Heifers, Cows and Bulls Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet. While this NebGuide emphasizes 
the procedures conducted on cattle at each cattle handling opportunity, it is very important to note the 
role a high quality nutritional program plays in building a total herd health program. You are encouraged 
to work with a qualified beef cattle nutritionist and your veterinarian when developing your herd health 
program. 
Health Management Decisions 
Evaluating the economic efficiency of health management procedures can be difficult. Designing a 
program for a beef production unit requires an in-depth understanding of the unique circumstances that 
influence health and production. Misinterpreting the relationship of these circumstances causes 
unnecessary expenditures. 
For example, closed herds (herds that do not bring in animals from outside sources without a stringent 
quarantine period) may get minimal benefit from a number of the vaccines offered because the animals 
are seldom exposed to disease causing agents and thus the vaccines are just not needed. In herds that are 
The NebGuide details recommendations for a beef cattle herd immunization program.
maintained relatively closed, it is important that new herd additions be quarantined and their health be 
re-evaluated before they are added to the herd. On the other extreme, open herds which have frequent 
movement of animals into the herd may get minimal benefit from available vaccines. This is due to the 
high level of exposure to disease causing agents and the lag time between development of an adequate 
immune response following disease exposure. This includes many disease causing agents for which no 
vaccines are available. A primary consideration in these herds must include minimizing environmental, 
nutritional and animal handling stress. These added stresses can be important factors in animals 
mounting an adequate immune response. Regardless of the type of herd maintained, producers should 
work closely with their veterinarian to evaluate the type of herd health management program needed and 
work toward constant improvement in the health status of the herd. 
Health Management Flow Sheets 
The herd health management flow sheets (Figures 1 and 2) are intended as guidelines. It is still 
important to seek the expertise of a veterinarian. The immunization skeleton suggests immunologically 
sound procedures that in most cases will assure economic efficiency, plus reduce health risk. 
Throughout the Calf through Weaning Flow Sheet (Figure 1), other procedures are included to meet the 
needs of rational health and production management. These provide the producer with alternate 
marketing opportunities including retained ownership. 
Both flow sheets prioritize health management procedures. Highly recommended procedures are marked 
with an * and procedures of questionable value are marked with a ?. 
The Calf through Weaning Flow Sheet includes the use of a modified live viral (MLV) and bacterial 
vaccine in calves at branding. There are no label warnings about the use of modified live products in 
calves prior to bull turn out. There is some concern about MLVs delaying conception one heat cycle if 
used concurrently with bull turn out. Immunization of calves at this age will prime the immune system 
and may prevent a delayed immune response to vaccines given at weaning. Early vaccination will 
reduce health problems at weaning and improve the production potential for retained ownership. 
The Calf through Weaning Flow Sheet encourages early castration and the use of implants in calves 
between 45 and 90 days of age. Implanting will increase weaning weights approximately five percent. 
Heifers may be included in the implanting schedule but should not be re-implanted if they are intended 
for replacements. Bulls intended for breeding should never be implanted. Heifers intended for breeding 
should not be implanted before 45 to 90 days of age. 
Conclusion 
A sound health management program includes the proper selection and use of vaccines and a quality 
nutritional program. Evaluation of the production and economic efficiency of a beef production unit is a 
vital step in building a long-term program. Following rationally sound and properly timed vaccination 
programs such as those outlined in the Calf through Weaning Flow Sheet and the Heifers, Cows and 
Bulls Flow Sheet is important. Vaccination programs should be incorporated with other herd 
management procedures when possible to optimize marketing management.  
Figure 1. Calf through Weaning Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet for Birth 
through Growing Phase 
(This flow sheet is a starting point but visit with your veterinarian before making final decisions.)
NOTE: The principle objective of this flow sheet is for each calf to get a priming Modified Live Virus vaccine prior to 
the weaning! Other management activities are included for you and your veterinarian's consideration. 
NOTE: Items with an * are highly recommended procedures and items with a ? have questionable value. 
Background on premise: 
No vaccines required if two MLV virus and 2-way modern pasteurella pre-weaning vaccines given or 
unless mixed with other non-vaccinated calves. No implant needed and can deworm in feed if implanted 
pre-weaning. Consider revaccinating with modified live IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV. 
Feedlot: 
MLV: IBR*, BVD*, PI3*, BRSV* (Clostridial?, Lepto?, H. somus?, Past H/M? vaccines of doubtful 
benefit at this time), High Quality Dewormer Implant (back calculate from packer) (If implanted at pre-
weaning, delay first implant 45-60 days.) 
(Replacement Heifers only: Using Brucellosis 1-2 months post weaning will lower combined stresses.)
Calf at Birth:
Dehorn*, Castrate*, Iodine Navel, ID tag.* 
If dystocia, milk dam & give calf 1 pint colostrum/20 lbs of calf weight.*
Calf Prior To Breeding Cow:
Vaccinate, dehorn and castrate all calves.* Implant with a product designed for calves.* 
Follow the implant manufacturer's directions. Never implant bull calves intended for breeding
Vaccines to consider: 4 way MLV IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV* 
2 way modern pasteurella* 
4/7 way Clostridial 2ml modern product* 
5 way Lepto?
Calf Pre-Weaning (2 to 4 weeks):
Pre-weaning vaccination may not be as important if calves were vaccinated at the pre-breeding 
opportunity 
or if calves will be backgrounded on premises. Weigh calves individually.
Vaccines to consider: IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV* (select one safe for use around pregnant cows) 
4/7 Clostridial 2 ml product (include tetanus if banding) 
5 way Lepto? 
2 way modern pasteurella* 
Implant (important if calves will be backgrounded on premises)
Calf at Weaning:
Weigh all calves individually only if calves will be going through a chute for other management 
objectives.
Figure 2. Heifers, Cows & Bulls Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet for the Cow Herd 
when Replacements are Promoted from Growing Program to the Herd 
(Visit with your veterinarian before making final decisions about your herd.) 
Note: Items with an * are highly recommended procedures. Items with a ? are of questionable value. 
1Louis J. Perino, DVM, PhD, Beef Research Veterinarian, West Texas A&M University, Canyon, Texas.
 
File G1313 under: BEEF 
C-13, Beef Management 
Revised October 1997; 2,000 printed. 
 
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. 
Department of Agriculture. Elbert C. Dickey, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of 
Agriculture and Natural Resources. 
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension educational programs abide with the non-discrimination policies of the 
University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Heifers/Cows Bulls 
Before entering the herd 
(3 to 4 weeks pre-breeding) 
MLV: IBR*, BVD*, PI3? 
5 way Lepto+Vibrio-oil* 
4/7/8 way Clostridium*
Pre-breeding/Post-calving 
(best 3 to 4 week pre-breeding) 
MLV: IBR, BVD, PI3? (every 3-5 years)
5 way Lepto+Vibrio-oil booster* 
Deworm (fall calving) as needed
Post-breeding 
Preg exam* 
Scour vaccine as needed 
(heifers need priming dose) 
Deworm (spring calving) as needed
5 way Lepto booster 
Grub control 
Lice control as needed
Moved to Calving Pastures 
(3 to 7 weeks pre-calving) 
Scour vaccine booster 
4/7/8 way Clostridium? 
Vitamin A-D? (spring) 
(best to feed vitamin fortified supplement)
Lice control as needed
Cull Check withdrawals*
End of Growing Period 
MLV: IBR*, BVD*, PI3? 
5 way Lepto? 
4/7/8 way Clostridium*
Pre-breeding 
(best 3 to 4 week pre-breeding) 
MLV: IBR, BVD, PI3? (3-5 years) 
5 way Lepto+Vibrio-oil 
4/7/8 way Clostridium* 
Deworm? + Lice control as needed 
Breeding Soundness Exam*
Cull Check withdrawals*
 
Never inject the rear leg 
Avoid IM injections 
Select sub-Q products 
Never change dose without your Vets O.K.
Follow withdrawal times


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G97-1313 Designing Preventive Health Management Programs for Cattle Producers

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