Tag: Calf Health

Is All Calf Gel Created Equally?

Posted on by Jessica Graham

Cow-calf producers want the best start for their newborn calves. That’s why BioZyme® Inc. recently introduced VitaFerm® Sure Start Gel, specifically formulated for calves to support immune function and overall health during the critical post-birth period. Yes, there are other calf gels on the market. But, as leaders in animal health and nutrition, our goal is to provide animals with an undeniable impact from birth forward.

VitaFerm has foundationally produced nutrition for beef cattle that maximizes energy and forage utilization for successful production. However, successful production doesn’t happen if your calf doesn’t get started on the right foot. Yes, we know producers feed VitaFerm mineral to their cows in late gestation and early lactation to give their calves pass-through immunity and nutrients. However, VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is another resource to ensure that calves receive the best nutrients possible, as early as possible.

“Getting calves off to the best start possible is paramount for their long-term health and, ultimately, your profitability. While a year-round VitaFerm program can improve colostrum quality, Sure Start Gel uses our new Broad Shield technology to give an additional boost to immunity,” said Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme Director of Beef Technical Sales.

Benefits of VitaFerm Sure Start Gel

The new VitaFerm Sure Start Gel offers several benefits to give newborns a sure start. Like all VitaFerm products, it contains AO-Biotics® Amaferm®, a research-proven prebiotic that supports digestibility by stimulating beneficial microbes. Furthermore, this innovative gel:

  • Delivers IgY antibodies derived from Salmonella, E. coli, bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, Cryptosporidium, Clostridium and MOS for broad support of the immune system.
  • Provides nutritional support to maximize calf vigor.

“VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is research-proven to enhance the efficacy of the antibodies the cow naturally passes to her calf, giving your calves every chance to develop their immune system and capitalize on healthy, efficient performance,” Cassady said.

This single-dose product comes in a 30 mL tube and you should administer it after the calf has had colostrum. For best results, we recommend giving it within the first 24 hours of birth. Repeat daily as needed. The bright orange color allows for a distinct recognition of administration.

What Differentiates Sure Start Calf Gel?

If you are a producer and Google search “calf gel,” endless options present themselves. However, not all calf gel is created the same. Many recommend use immediately after the calf is born.  At BioZyme, our scientists know the importance of colostrum. That is why we have suggested using the Sure Start Gel after that calf gets its mother’s first milk.

Furthermore, all BioZyme products are research-proven, meaning we have trialed them and know they do what we say they do. BioZyme has more than 150 research papers and presentations across all products for all species. We want our dealers and our customers to know that we have all animals’ best interests at heart. That’s why research has been at our company’s foundation for more than 60 years.

Another way that the VitaFerm Sure Start Gel distinguishes itself from the competition is its value. Yes, one tube is one dose, which makes it easy to administer – no guessing if you over- or under-applied. Calves are getting some of the best technology on the market, all for under $13 a dose, at the suggested retail price. Some other calf gels are priced at $18 or more per dose, and they do not contain Amaferm or the complete suite of antibodies that Sure Start Gel does.

Finally, our team is not just scientists in white lab coats making products for producers and animal lovers. The BioZyme team is comprised of producers – cattle producers – just like our customers. They know the value of calf gel that contains Amaferm and other key antibodies to protect the immune system.

Stock up on VitaFerm Sure Start Today!

No, calf gels are not created equally. Yes, some of the ingredients appear the same. The dosing instructions might seem similar. However, there is one brand that you can rely on. It’s research-proven and contains Amaferm, IgY antibodies, MOS and Broad Shield technology.

Get your VitaFerm Sure Start Gel today. VitaFerm Sure Start Gel is available from an authorized BioZyme dealer near you.

If you prefer to have this shipped to your doorstep, consider shopping online.

Building the Preconditioning Program

Posted on by Weicks-Webmaster

 

There’s no shortage of opinions on preconditioning. And while Building the Preconditioning Program does not require excessive labor when done correctly, its economic trade-offs remain a point of debate. When a preconditioning program does make financial sense, make sure you have a plan that will maximize returns.

“Effective preconditioning programs increase the value of weaned calves by promoting calf growth, enhancing immune system function, and minimizing calf stress,” writes Jane A. Parish, Ph.D., professor and interim head of the North Mississippi Research and Extension Center, along with colleagues in the Mississippi State University Bulletin Beef Calf Preconditioning Programs.

Preconditioning focuses on strengthening calf immunity, ensuring proper nutrition, and reducing the effects of stressful events. Even if the markup is not tremendous, the effort to market healthy, well-managed calves enhances a producer’s reputation long-term and can contribute to improved herd profitability.

What makes good preconditioning

The best preconditioning programs take effect as soon as a calf hits the ground. In optimal circumstances this includes ensuring adequate colostrum intake, processing (according to your operation’s distinct protocols) and recording birth weight. 

Formal preconditioning typically occurs between six to eight months of age. Protocol should include a number of key elements but can be customized. 

Weaning
Calves should be fully weaned at least 45 days before sale to reduce stress, optimize rumen functionality and develop immunity.

Bunk training
Teaching calves to eat from a feed bunk and drink from a water trough ensures a smooth transition to the next production phase.

Castration and dehorning
Bull calves should be castrated. Horned cattle should be dehorned or have their horns tipped back to the hairline and given sufficient time to heal before they are sold.

Deworming
The need for deworming may depend on when you are calving, age of sale and best practices of your region. Internal and external parasite treatments help maintain growth and overall health.

Vaccinations
This protocol probably has the most variance from operation to operation. The Oklahoma State University bulletin, Calf Preconditioning: A Comprehensive Overview, recommends, at the bare minimum, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVD) type 1 and type 2, parainfluenza virus type 3 (PI3), and bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV). Other vaccines that may be region dependent include clostridial diseases such as blackleg, tetanus, enterotoxemia; mannheimia haemolytica and pasteurella multocida; leptospirosis; brucellosis; and anthrax.

The weaning process

Weaning is a process. Having calves that have fully completed it and transitioned into their adult diets is a boon to many buyers. Experts recommend waiting at least 45 full days after successful weaning before making a sale. Some preconditioning programs may use different metrics.

Calves that are fully weaned and beyond the initial stresses are better able to withstand the challenges of transportation and transition to feedlots. Research has shown that preconditioned calves experience lower rates of illness, leading to reduced veterinary expenses and labor costs associated with treatment.

Part of the transition when calves are weaned also includes getting them acclimated to the next “pen stage” such as eating forage out of a bunk and drinking water out of a trough. 

“During weaning, calves must transition from a milk diet to forage- and concentrate-based diets,” writes Parish. “Calves that have used feeding bunks and water troughs before weaning may go on feed faster after weaning. Some ranchers raise calves that never see a feed bunk or water trough.”

Likewise, there are various ways to train or incorporate these aspects to get the calves ready for the next step.

One example is to provide an adequate bunk space.  For both cows and calves to eat at the same time or use a creep feeding technique. Providing a chance for calves to become familiar prior to the actual weaning day can better set them up for success.

Evaluating success when Building the Preconditioning Program

Determining whether a preconditioning program is right for your operation starts with understanding its economic impact.  Revisit this evaluation annually as both market conditions and your operation’s circumstances can change.

Start by estimating all expected costs and potential returns on investment, factoring in the specific production characteristics of your herd. Be sure to account for direct costs like feed, veterinary care, and labor. As well as indirect expenses such as equipment, operating costs, and opportunity costs.

“To be profitable, producers must keep cost of gain to a reasonable level. Providing a nutritional program that produces acceptable weight gains,” writes Parish.

Preconditioning costs can vary significantly based on location. Particularly due to feed availability and pricing. Other regional factors, such as transportation and infrastructure, may also influence itemized expenses in your budget.

Since calf weight gain plays a major role in profitability, selecting the right nutritional approach is key. Parish emphasizes the importance of a feeding strategy that supports the desired rate of gain. While also achieving target delivery weights, optimizing cattle condition, minimizing disease risks, and making efficient use of labor and equipment.

In some markets, preconditioned calves may even qualify for premiums. Giving an edge to producers who have invested in calf care and health.

When it pencils in, preconditioning is an easy win-win for producers and buyers.

Ensuring calf health and welfare from day one through weaning and the transition to feed enhances performance in finishing phases. 

This enhancement contributes to greater carcass quality and yield.

Building the Preconditioning Program.

By Jaclyn Krymowski for American Cattlemen

Fortify The Health Of The Newborn Calf

Posted on by Amy Wold

Fortify The Health Of The Newborn Calf

When the first pregnant cow displays signs of labor early in calving season, it is too late to match the proper sire with the cow herd or vaccinate with a scour prevention vaccine. Hopefully these important management decisions including proper health and conditioning, a dedicated routine of cleanliness, hygiene, proper record keeping, and the first crucial feeding of a quality colostrum have been put in place helping to propel the good health of the calf through the first stage of its life.

Preventing disease is always the best way to disrupt its negative potential so along with these management practices, vaccinations and other preventative measures delivered shortly after birth should be considered. There is no “one size fits all” plan. Each program could contain numerous options of vaccinations, shots, pastes, and disinfectants but most importantly must be tailored to not only the herd’s specific needs but also fit the area of the country and the existing climate and conditions that come with it.

Standard fare could include a vitamin shot, a multi-mineral treatment usually including selenium for white muscle disease prevention, castration, dehorning, navel dip and a clostridial vaccine with or with-out tetanus depending on whether castration is also being completed. Clostridial bacteria prevention products are necessary for use in newborns due to their presence in all conditions with routine interaction between calves and the environment causing these spores to enter the gut and blood stream.

What to Consider

When considering vaccines, common thinking is fractured. It is a fact that for over 200 years vaccines have benefitted both human and animal life and with each advancing year new technology and research make vaccination programs even better. In today’s world that scrutinizes agricultural processes, we need to be committed to finding the best possible vaccine use practices and not just carry on decades old routines without inspecting their usefulness.

Very young calves have an immature set of immune cells and organs and conventional thinking is that those with proper maternal antibodies throughout their system derived from adequate doses of quality colostrum will likely not respond to vaccines and if they do, it will be a weaker, more short-term response. Lately, some of the drug manufacturers have begun to market more intranasal vaccines for respiratory diseases that target the newborn calf. These may be superior to injectable vaccines for young calves with maternal antibodies present, but more research is needed.

What to Choose

The choice of products to deliver to newborn calves is complicated and not only depends on where you live, but where you calve, what your cows are vaccinated with, what you feed, what types of supplements you use, and what is the prevalence of disease in your herd. It is extremely important to work with a veterinarian to make a usable plan that will be effective and relevant to your calf crop.

No matter where you live an environmental based infection of the navel and umbilical cord can enter the calf’s body and blood stream shortly after birth. Excessive bleeding, odor and pus, pain and swelling can cause a devastating condition ending in death if left untreated. The simple use of an inexpensive correctly rated iodine solution dip can help keep the newborn free of this infection.

Summary

In a perfect world, calves would be castrated and dehorned as soon as possible after consuming their fill of good quality colostrum. Studies show that the impact to the calf is much less when these processes are completed within the first 24 hours of life and combined with the ease of handling a newborn in comparison to an older calf, this is the most efficient and humane time for this task.

The Agriculture and Food Development Authority states that the success of the finished animal is greatly determined by the quality and management of the newborn. It has also been proven that 50% of calf mortality during the first year occurs within the first six weeks of life. Since the main source of income for ranchers and farmers is generally their calf crop, working to establish a proper health plan with a credible veterinarian who knows their operation and the challenges they face, can greatly increase the chances of realizing the full potential of this important process.

Home – American Cattlemen

February 2019

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Or if you enjoy the Outdoors. That could be hunting, fishing, or just recreational outdoor activities the Iowa Sportsman is a great option

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