PreConditioning Calves: Compliance

[pandiana]

"The big steers I sell get no medication whatever. When they hit the feedlot they'll get it all, so why vaccinate?..."

I guess the reason I would like to see calves vaccinated before they leave the farm is that it takes 2 - 3 weeks for an immune response to develope even minimally. Maximum response is developed following a booster shot about six weeks after the initial one. Those first couple of weeks after weaning and on entering a feedlot are when they need the protection.

In addition, there is some evidence that already stressed calves such as those newly weaned will not respond normally to the vaccine challenge.

Of course, this in no way changes the fact that you are not getting paid for doing the right thing.

[cowman]

Just as an aside to this... I vaccinate the calves I keep with an 8way booster and a IBR/BVD up the nose shot. I've never had any problems after that...well maybe a snotty nose and a cough...which I treat with sulpha-methazine and a shot of liqui-miacin. If they get ugly I bite the bullet and give them a shot of micotil. I don't believe I've lost a calf in the last ten years. Should I be vaccinating for something else?

[pandiana]

I just picked up the Dec issue of Alberta Beef and on the back cover was an ad for "The Stockmen's Choice" at Fort Macleod Auction. There are 12 producers with maybe 1500 head of cattle selling as Preconditioned. The ad lists the ranch, the number of calves, the genetics, weaning date at the treatments and when they were treated.
Just an example:
Ray Watmoug 160 Hereford & Herford-Red Angus X steers & heifers (replacement quality), vacc. branding time 8-way, IBR/PI3/Som. Ralgro - steers only. Weaned Sept 17, 8way, IBR/PI3/ Somnugen, Ivomec, Biomycin, Ralgro-steers only.
I am very impressed. I guess preconditioning is still around. Sale is today. It will be interesting to see if they get paid for their work. Also, how the determine compliance. Is it the honor system?

[cowman]

I imagine these are mostly"reputation" cattle(Watmaughs have been around for a long time) and you can be pretty sure that what they say is what they do.
I note these little steers have already had 2 hormone implants and will probably get another before they are slaughtered. I'm not saying it's wrong, just noting it!