See the Best Management Practices when it comes to using calf processing vaccines in your cow-calf operation.

Vaccines are an important tool in the effort towards raising healthy calves. They are typically administered during calf processing, and there are a number of ways to mess up the process. The Best Management Practices for calf processing vaccines were shared in a Beef Magazine article about processing and branding calves. See them below.

BMPs for Calf Processing Vaccines

The article shared the following Best Management Practices for calf processing vaccines:

  • “When products require mixing, only mix them as needed and not more than one hour prior to administration. The efficacy of the product deteriorates outside of that time frame.
  • When mixing vaccines, do not over shake. Simply swirling the vaccine in the bottle is enough to ensure a good mix. When products are over shaken, they can be destroyed and release endotoxins, which could be harmful to your animals.
  • Keep vaccines protected from the elements. Store them according to the temperature range on the manufacturer label and do not allow them to be exposed to sunlight.
  • Label syringes and do not allow them to get mixed up. If modified live vaccine is placed into a syringe that previously held killed vaccine and a residue of the killed vaccine is present, it may damage or destroy the modified live vaccine.
  • Change your needles every time a syringe is refilled. It is recommended to replace needles every 10 – 15 head. Additionally, by replacing your needle each refill, you ensure you’re not contaminating the remainder of the product left in the bottle with a dirty needle.
  • Give all injections in front of the shoulder in the neck region unless the label specifically advises to administer in a different location.
  • Try to utilize products that are labeled for subcutaneous administration.”

Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions -or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.