Beef Cattle Production Series - Part 10 by TSCRA - The Cattleman Magazine

BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PART 10

Calf Implants Add Profits, Pre-Weaning Vaccination Profitability, Before Breeding Begins

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“With Safe-Guard® I know it works. Every time.” Steve Howard - Stocker-backgrounder, Howard Ranches, Claypool, OK

NOSURPRISES As a stocker operator, Steve Howard is in a high-risk business. His cattle come from all over, and many of them have no known health history. So before he turns them out, he drenches them with Safe-Guard® (fenbendazole). It goes straight to the gut to kill worms and ensures his cattle get growing faster.

He keeps them gaining, growing and feeling good with Safe-Guard. Try Safe-Guard for two weeks. We are so confident that you will see a 90% reduction in parasitic infestation that if you don’t – the product is free.1 So what do you have to lose? Other than the parasites.

Text GAINS to 48109 to watch how Steve keeps his cattle growing. By texting in you agree to receive text messages from Merck Animal Health where you will receive offers and reminders. Up to six messages per month. You can opt-out any time by replying STOP to 48109. Text message and data rates may apply. 1 1992. World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (W.A.A.V.P.) methods for the detection of anthelmintic resistance in nematodes of veterinary importance. Vet Parasitol. 44, 35–44. 2. 2006.The detection of anthelmintic resistance in nematodes of veterinary importance. Vet. Parasitol. 136, 167–185

Consult your local veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism. merck-animal-health-usa.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright ©2018 Intervet Inc., d/b/a Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 2/18 BV-SG-57821-Howard US/SFG/0218/0005

CATTLE HEALTH

BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES – PART 10

Calf Implants Add Profits, Pre-Weaning Vaccination Profitability, Before Breeding Begins Table of Contents 4 Dollars and Sense — Calf Implants 8 Pre-Weaning Vaccination Profitabilty 12 Before Breeding Begins

The Cattleman, the monthly journal of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, is pleased to partner with Merck Animal Health on a series of seasonal beef cattle health management manuals. Thanks to the generous support of the Merck Animal Health technical services veterinarians, we are able to provide easy-to-read articles that educate and inform ranchers about various aspects of beef cattle health management. thecattlemanmagazine.com

Merck Animal Health BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES – PART 10

Dollars and Sense Calf implants add profit at all levels of the cattle industry. By Nicole Lane Erceg

The promises of implants may almost seem too good to be true — additional gains, more feed-efficient cattle, faster growth and heavier weaning weights are all promises of using the technology. Though it may appear far-fetched to those unfamiliar with implanting, Mark Corrigan, Ph.D., ruminant nutritionist and technical services manager for Merck Animal Health, says for cattle producers looking to turn a profit, an implanting program is just common sense. “Assuming we utilize the proper implant for the proper stage of production that an animal is in, there is always a return on investment from an economic standpoint whenever you use implants,” says Corrigan. Implants, a small pellet inserted into the ear of cattle that slowly releases hormones to regulate growth and feed efficiency, have been approved for use in cattle since 1954. However, stigmas around the safety of implants, the marketability of implanted cattle and the investment of cattle handling have all been barriers to cow-calf producers embracing the technology.

Added value Implants allow producers to increase the efficiency with which feedstuffs are used by the animal and are considered to provide the most economic return of any type of technologyadded management practice on the farm. Implants on average have the potential to add as much as 5 percent more pounds to the calf crop and they impact each level of the cattle production chain in different, but beneficial ways. “In the case of the cow-calf operation we are able to add an additional 23 pounds of body weight with a minimal increase in the calf intake of feedstuffs,” says Corrigan, citing data collected in studies of Merck’s Ralgro calf implant. For the stocker operator, Corrigan says they can expect an increase in average daily gain of up to 15 percent and another 15 to 20 percent in average daily gain in the finishing phase, adding 50 to 90 pounds of additional carcass weight to implanted cattle. For the cow-calf producer, Corrigan says that utilizing an implant could mean a significant per head profit, even with lower prices.

4 Merck Animal Health BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES – PART 10 thecattlemanmagazine.com

Implants on average have the potential to add as much as 5 percent more pounds to the calf crop. For example, if the assumed market price per pound is $1.30, a 600-pound calf would bring $780 and its heavier, implanted counterpart would bring about $810, which is a $30-per-head price difference. Once the added cost of the input, valued at $3 per head is added in, there is still a more than $25 price difference. Another way to look at the economic value is a nonimplanted calf would need to earn a premium of $27-plus for going into a natural, organic or another type of non-implanted program. For producers not already using implants, Corrigan says, “It’s really just leaving money on the table.” Addressing concerns About 30 percent of cow-calf producers implant calves; however, Corrigan says that 95 percent or more of cattle that are slaughtered in the U.S. receive an implant at some point in their life. Corrigan says producers reluctant to implant should not be deterred from using the technology based on concerns for cattle marketability or safety. He says that the common perception that cattle will be discounted in a sale barn for having an implant is completely false. Merck Animal Health, in partnership with Superior Livestock Auctions, has audited several cattle buyers, sellers and auctions. They have not been able to show that there is any financial benefit to not implanting calves. “As we surveyed the same types of cattle, the implanted and non-implanted cattle always brought the same amount of money,” says Corrigan. Finding time to implant has also been a reason voiced by cow-calf producers for avoiding the profitable practice, but Corrigan says that implant programs can be designed around times when cattle will already be handled. Implanting during branding or when working calves before they are turned out to summer pasture is a common option that doesn’t require additional cattle handling. “Generally speaking, there are going to be opportunities to implant those cattle at times when you would typically be handling the animals anyway,” says Corrigan. Safety of implants has been a long-disputed consumer issue, but unless driven by a profitable premium program, the proven safety and cost-added benefits outweigh reasons not to use the technology. Before any implant product can be marketed or sold, it undergoes testing by the Food and Drug Administration to thecattlemanmagazine.com

determine safety. No “hormone-free” beef exists since all beef contains at least some naturally occurring hormones and the difference in hormone levels between implanted and nonimplanted beef is minimal. According to the University of Georgia Extension service, a 3-ounce serving of beef from an implanted calf has 1.9 nanograms of estradiol, while the same size serving from a non-implanted calf has 1.3 nanograms. Considering there are 28 billion nanograms to every 1 ounce, the difference is minuscule. When compared to other foods with naturally occurring hormones, eggs contain about 993 nanograms per ounce, cabbage has 681 nanograms per ounce and soybean oil has 56,750 nanograms per ounce. “Whenever a pharmaceutical product is approved for use in food animal production, there is a human safety component so that all of these technologies have been verified as safe and having no impact on human health when they consume the products from these animals,” says Corrigan. Common-sense application Making the decision to use implants can be a tricky one because there is a wide variety of products from which to choose. Products are categorized based on the age, stage of production and sex of the animal. Corrigan recommends first taking into consideration what the product label says before purchasing or using a new implant. “If you misuse the product by not following the label instructions, you are causing more problems than you are capturing economic benefits of the implant,” Corrigan says. When choosing a product, the goal is to start with a lower dose of the hormone with the intention of increasing the dosage at the next stage of production, whether the animal is kept in the herd or sold to another producer. “The basic principle behind using the appropriate implant is that as the animals get bigger and are consuming more energy, they are able to utilize more of the active implant ingredient,” says Corrigan. “So we want to start early on with a lower dose implant and then move towards a higher dose implant as that animal increases in size, feed intake and growth rate.” Implants traditionally don’t require extra management practices, but the proper administration of a product is vital to its success. Using sterile tools in a clean environment and proper implant placement by inserting it into the middle third of the ear will ensure the implant’s value can be captured by the calf. ➤ Merck Animal Health BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES – PART 10

Implant technology has been in use since 1954. Implants replace and supplement already existing hormones in the calf’s body to help the animal better utilize its feed, so if the calf isn’t starting out with a solid foundation of health and nutrition, then investing in implants won’t be helpful or profitable. “Implants allow us to achieve growth at a higher rate than what those cattle can genetically do on their own,” says Corrigan. “However, if we don’t have the right health and nutrition programs, then these cattle are never going to be able to reach that optimal level.” When choosing which animals to implant, Corrigan recommends always consulting the product label and not administering implants to breeding cattle as this can have severe negative impacts on fertility if administered too early and there is no economic benefit of implanting those cattle for gains.

“There’s a lot more to lose by not doing things right,” he says. However, in a situation where it is unknown which animals may be kept in the herd as replacement heifers and which may be sold for meat, Corrigan recommends implanting the group when appropriate in order to capture the economic benefit for the cattle that will be sold. In a contemporary group of 100 heifers, only 6 would have to be sold before entering a profitearning zone for implanting the entire group. For producers looking to combat low market prices and optimize the feed efficiency of their cattle, implants are a simple and solid economic investment. Corrigan says the product promises can be easily captured and that just by using an implant, producers will get 80 to 90 percent of the value without any additional management. In a volatile marketplace, this cattle nutritionist says implanting simply makes sense. ❚

6 Merck Animal Health BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES – PART 10 thecattlemanmagazine.com

We all need a little space every once in awhile, but your livestock should never be bothered by flies and other external parasites. When maintaining your livelihood, leave external parasite management to Merck Animal Health, a trusted name with a variety of solutions that fit your operation’s distinct premise, ear tag or pour-on needs.

See labels for complete instructions merck-animal-health-usa.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright © 2018 Intervet Inc., d/b/a Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 1/18 BV-56105

Pre-Weaning Vaccination Profitability Proper pre-weaning and weaning vaccinations help ranchers capture value. By Nicole Lane Erceg

Can calf vaccinations pre-weaning add a premium to calves at market? Harold Newcomb, D.V.M., technical services manager for Merck Animal Health, says that’s the wrong question to ask. Although the number of stocker operators searching for calves with health programs is growing, Newcomb says when considering pre-weaning and weaning vaccinations proper calf health is a profitability factor, but it’s not about premiums. “I don’t think there are any premiums in the cattle business, only discounts,” says Newcomb. “When we invest in calf health we are working to capture the entire value of the animal and stop or minimize discounts.” Health priming prior to and around weaning prepares the animal for the road ahead. Investing in calf health can have a lasting effect, impacting performance abilities through the rest of the beef supply chain. Making the right choice Beyond affecting profitability, properly preparing animals for the road ahead is a key component to the driver behind pre-weaning and weaning vaccinations. The goal is to prepare the calf for any pathogens they may face both on-farm and beyond. “What we are trying to do is create enough immunity so that the calves are able to meet the challenges with minimal cost to production,” says Newcomb. When selecting vaccines, Newcomb says to vaccinate for the disease challenges that the animal may encounter

in the future, and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a serious impending threat. Over the years, cattle vaccines, technology and animals have improved, but BRD remains a prevalent issue. Newcomb says that once an animal has a pneumonic episode of any magnitude, it’s going to have an effect on the animal’s production for the rest of its life. Depending on the severity of the issue, he says the production decrease could manifest in a 25- to 100-pound weight reduction through the life of the animal. In an industry where pounds equal profit, that is a significant loss. “It’s important for productivity and profitability to keep animals healthy, especially lung healthy,” says Newcomb. Ranchers primarily have 2 choices when deciding on vaccine types, modified-live or killed. Killed vaccines contain the pathogen in the vaccine, but it is no longer living. In modifiedlive vaccines, the pathogen is still alive but has been rendered inactive. This means that the virus has been modified so it no longer has the ability to cause disease. Newcomb says both are fine choices for pre-weaning and weaning vaccines, but recommends ranchers pay close attention to labels to ensure a proper immune response. While modified-live vaccines just take a one-time administration to gain immunity, killed vaccines require that the vaccine be administered at least twice and take longer to build strong immunity. “Understand that with killed vaccines it’s going to take time after you vaccinate with the second dose before you build good immunity,” says Newcomb.

8 Merck Animal Health BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES – PART 10 thecattlemanmagazine.com

Proper administration tips Newcomb recommends giving first vaccines at 2 to 3 months of age, around branding, along with their first viral respiratory vaccines, a Pasteurella vaccine administered intranasally, and a blackleg vaccine designed to be less stressful on the calf. He recommends deworming 3 to 4 weeks before weaning. Worm infections can suppress the immune response, making vaccines less effective. At this time, he advises vaccinating if using a modified-live or administering the second dose if using a killed vaccine. As for vaccine storage after use, Newcomb says that once a bottle is opened, use what is needed and then discard, even if it’s a killed vaccine. Though it can be tempting to purchase vaccines in large quantities in bulk to save money, Newcomb recommends that ranchers with lower herd numbers purchase 10-dose vaccine bottles and use a different needle and syringe for every 10 animals to cut down on disease transmission. This practice also falls in line with his philosophy on vaccine storage: don’t. He says to discard any unused vaccine after the bottle has been used, even if it’s a killed vaccine. “Once we go in and out of that bottle, it’s contaminated,” says Newcomb. “If we stick it in the refrigerator and come back a few months later and use it again, we’re more apt to see knots and abscesses.” Proper application of the vaccines, vaccine storage and administration all go back to Newcomb’s theory on discounts. If not done correctly, unclean needles, improper storage or administration could cause other discount factors, not allowing ranchers to obtain the full calf value. A key component to a successful calf health program and one that will aid in cattle marketing is good record keeping. Newcomb suggests using processing maps to track what pharmaceutical products were administered, who administered them, where on the animal the product was given and the weather conditions during the time of application. This allows ranchers to track time of administration, but also makes it easy to determine what may have affected an animal if it falls ill or shows abscesses in the injection site area. Newcomb says that all ranchers should get their Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification. He explains that BQA certification teaches proper treatment procedures and sends a marketing message. “BQA is our way of saying to the public that we know what we are doing and have been trained on how to produce a wholesome, safe product in a humane way,” says Newcomb. Understanding vaccination value For ranchers readying to market this year’s calf crop, contemplating vaccination and timing can be a decision that thecattlemanmagazine.com

makes or breaks profit potential. According to Newcomb, ranchers who run successful pre-weaning health programs consult a veterinarian when planning their vaccines and ensure that their product choice is aligned with the desired outcome. “You need to be especially in tune to the vaccines you’re giving and what they will do,” he says. Calves that are weaned and shipped simultaneously battle the combination of travel, new environment, a different food, an unfamiliar water source, commingling and separation anxiety — a recipe for disease. Quality vaccination and health programs help prepare the animal for the stresses it will endure during the weaning and post-weaning process. Newcomb says that it’s this preparation that helps capture calf value. “Most weaning and vaccination programs should pay for themselves in terms of weight gain,” says Newcomb. Ranchers can create profitable pre-weaning and weaning calf health programs by following Newcomb’s fundamental practices of consulting a veterinarian, using products that will create the desired immunity, and correctly administering products that will have a low impact on stress. “Understand the products you are putting into your cattle,” says Newcomb. “Make sure the products are administered correctly and document the process.” ❚ Merck Animal Health BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES – PART 10

Knock out BRD and take down the fever that usually comes with it when you use Resflor Gold® (florfenicol and flunixin meglumine). The only major antibiotic to combine the BRD-treating action of florfenicol with the symptom-fighting action of flunixin. With one shot, Resflor Gold makes your animals feel better within six hours.1,2 So they aren’t just back on their feet eating and drinking, they’re back on the gaining track. Talk to your Merck Animal Health rep or visit resflorgold.com to learn more.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION NOT FOR HUMAN USE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN. This product contains material that can be irritating to skin and eyes. Animals intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 38 days of treatment. This product is not approved for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older, including dry dairy cows. Use in these cattle may cause drug residues in milk and/or in calves born to these cows. A withdrawal period has not been established in preruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal. Do not use in animals that have shown hypersensitivity to florfenicol or flunixin. Not for use in animals intended for breeding purposes. The effects of florfenicol and flunixin on bovine reproductive performance, pregnancy, and lactation have not been determined. When administered according to the label directions, RESFLOR GOLD may induce a transient local reaction in the subcutaneous and underlying muscle tissue. Brief summary available on adjacent page. 1 2

Exhibits bactericidal activity against some strains of Mannheimia haemolytica and Histophilus somni. The correlation between in vitro susceptibility data and clinical effectiveness is unknown.

PRODUCT INFORMATION NADA 141-299, Approved by FDA.

(Florfenicol and Flunixin Meglumine) Antimicrobial/Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug For subcutaneous use in beef and non-lactating dairy cattle only. Not for use in female dairy cattle 20 months of age or older or in calves to be processed for veal. (Florfenicol and Flunixin Meglumine) BRIEF SUMMARY: For full prescribing information, see Antimicrobial/Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug package insert. ® For subcutaneous use in GOLD beef and INDICATION: RESFLOR isnon-lactating indicated for dairy cattle only. respiratory Not for usedisease in female dairy treatment of bovine (BRD) associated cattle 20 months of age or older or in calves to with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, be processed for veal. Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis, and control of BRIEF SUMMARY: For full prescribing information, see BRD-associated pyrexia in beef and non-lactating dairy package insert. cattle.

INDICATION: RESFLOR Do GOLD is indicated CONTRAINDICATIONS: not use in animalsforthat treatment bovine respiratory to disease (BRD) associated have shownof hypersensitivity florfenicol or flunixin. ®

with Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida,

Histophilus somni, andFOR Mycoplasma bovis, andKEEP control OUT of WARNINGS: NOT HUMAN USE. in beef and dairy OFBRD-associated REACH OFpyrexia CHILDREN. Thisnon-lactating product contains cattle. material that can be irritating to skin and eyes. Avoid direct contact with skin, Do eyes, case CONTRAINDICATIONS: notand use clothing. in animalsInthat ofhave accidental eye exposure,toflush with or water for 15 shown hypersensitivity florfenicol flunixin. minutes. In case of accidental skin exposure, wash WARNINGS: NOT FOR HUMAN USE. KEEP OUT with soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing. OF REACH OF CHILDREN. This product contains Consult a physician if irritation persists. Accidental material that can be irritating to skin and eyes. Avoid injection of thiswith product may and cause local Inirritation. direct contact skin, eyes, clothing. case Consult a physician immediately. The Material of accidental eye exposure, flush with water for 15 Safety Data Sheetof (MSDS) more detailed minutes. In case accidentalcontains skin exposure, wash occupational safety with soap and water.information. Remove contaminated clothing. Consult a physician if irritation persists. Accidental

For customer or to may obtain a copy the MSDS, injection of service this product cause localof irritation. call 1-800-211-3573. For technical assistance or to report Consult a physician immediately. The Material suspected adverse 1-800-219-9286. Safety Data Sheetreactions, (MSDS) call contains more detailed occupational safety information.

Not for use in animals intended for breeding purposes. For customer or to obtain copy of the MSDS, The effects service of florfenicol on a bovine reproductive call 1-800-211-3573. For technical assistance or tonot report performance, pregnancy, and lactation have been suspected adverse reactions, call 1-800-219-9286. determined. Toxicity studies in dogs, rats, and mice have associated the use of florfenicol withpurposes. testicular Not for use in animals intended for breeding degeneration atrophy. NSAIDs are known to have The effects and of florfenicol on bovine reproductive potential effects on bothand parturition performance, pregnancy, lactation and have the not estrous been cycle. There may be studies a delayinindogs, the onset of estrus determined. Toxicity rats, and mice if have associated the useduring of florfenicol with testicular flunixin is administered the prostaglandin phase degeneration and atrophy. NSAIDs are known to have of the estrous cycle. The effects of flunixin on imminent potential effects on both parturition and the estrous parturition have not been evaluated in a controlled cycle.NSAIDs There may a delay in thethe onset of estrus if study. are be known to have potential to delay flunixin is administered during the prostaglandin phase parturition through a tocolytic effect. of the estrous cycle. The effects of flunixin on imminent

parturitionGOLD have®not been administered evaluated in a as controlled RESFLOR , when directed, study. NSAIDs are knownreaction to have at thethe potential delay may induce a transient site oftoinjection parturition through a tocolytic effect. and underlying tissues that may result in trim loss of ® edible tissue at slaughter. RESFLOR GOLD , when administered as directed, may induce a transient reaction at the site of injection and underlying tissues that may result in trim loss of RESIDUE WARNINGS: Animals intended edible tissue at slaughter.

for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 38 days of treatment. RESIDUE Animals Do not use WARNINGS: in female dairy cattle intended 20 months consumption must notin be offoragehuman or older. Use of florfenicol this slaughtered within 38 days of treatment. class of cattle may cause milk residues. A Do not use in female dairy cattle 20 months withdrawal period has not been established of age or older. Use of florfenicol in this inclass pre-ruminating Doresidues. not useA in of cattle may calves. cause milk calves to beperiod processed forbeen veal.established withdrawal has not in pre-ruminating calves. Do not use in calves to be processed for veal.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: Transient inappetence, diarrhea, decreased water consumption, and injection ADVERSE Transient with inappetence, site swelling REACTIONS: have been associated the use of diarrhea, decreased and injectionand florfenicol in cattle.water In consumption, addition, anaphylaxis site swelling have been associated with the collapse have been reported post-approval use withofthe florfenicol in formulation cattle. In addition, anaphylaxis and use of another of florfenicol in cattle. collapse have been reported post-approval with the

of another formulation of florfenicol in cattle. reactions, Inuse cattle, rare instances of anaphylactic-like some of which have been fatal, have been reported, reactions, In cattle, rare instances of anaphylactic-like primarily following intravenous flunixin some of which have been fatal, haveuse been of reported, meglumine. primarily following intravenous use of flunixin meglumine.

Made in Germany Made inInc. Germany Intervet Roseland, NJ 07068 IntervetIntervet Inc. Roseland, 07068Reserved. ©2009, Inc. AllNJRights ©2009, Intervet Inc. All Rights Reserved. US 3448_IV May 2009 May 2009

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Before Breeding Begins... Producing a profitable calf crop takes proper planning, preparation and strategy. By Nicole Lane Erceg

It may seem like calving season just ended, but it’s already time to begin preparations for the next calf crop. As breeding season looms in the near future, Todd Bilby, associate director of ruminant technical services at Merck Animal Health and specialist in cattle fertility and breeding, says it’s time to begin strategizing. While breeding scenarios vary from ranch to ranch, Bilby says formulating a plan can improve profitability and help guarantee a successful breeding season. “The best approach to take is to apply Murphy’s Law to your breeding program — the idea that anything that can go wrong will go wrong,” says Bilby. “It helps you prepare for the hiccups and avoid revenue-stealing mistakes.” Invest in insurance Imagine finishing checking for pregnancy only to learn that half the herd is open and thousands of dollars are down the drain. This harsh picture is a reality for many producers who fail to regularly perform breeding soundness exams (BSE), also known as bull testing, before using bulls to breed. Bilby says that 1 in 10 bulls lack the ability to impregnate a cow and that

one bull could spell extreme economic losses for a rancher. Compared to the alternative, scheduling a veterinarian to come perform a BSE 30 days prior to breeding is a small price to pay for insurance that each bull is ready to work when needed. When performing a BSE, the veterinarian will examine scrotal circumference, physical ability of the bull for structural soundness and mobility and perform a semen evaluation test. “Make sure you do the breeding soundness exam and have enough bulls and the proper balance of younger and older bulls that are functional,” says Bilby. “If you don’t do a BSE, you may find out your bulls didn’t work when it’s too late.” Using bull testing as a risk management tool allows producers to ensure semen quality, physical soundness of the bulls and their ability to service a cow. Bull testing does not test for libido; however, Bilby says the examinations are worth discovering other bull issues before they become bigger problems. “Failing to perform a BSE opens you up to a higher risk. The bulls may not be able to cover all your cows or could be shooting blanks, and that won’t do you any good,” says Bilby. The problem

12 Merck Animal Health BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES – PART 10 thecattlemanmagazine.com

SHE CAN DO IT.

OR YOU CAN TRY.

SCOURS VACCINATION CAN MEAN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A GOOD DAY OF WORK – AND A COLD, HARD ONE. That’s why more producers are choosing to protect their calves from scours by vaccinating the pregnant cow or heifer with Guardian®. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, scours has been attributed to 17.2 percent of annual nonpredatory calf loss in U.S. cattle operations annually.1 If scours has affected your calves in the past, you know the real price of getting them back on their feet – time, treatment cost and heartache. USDA. 2011. Cattle and Calves Nonpredator Death Loss in the United States, 2010. USDA–APHIS–VS.

Guardian provides broad-spectrum viral and clostridial protection against the leading contributors to scours.

FOR YOUR HERD — FOR THE FUTURE — CHOOSE GUARDIAN. For more information talk to your veterinarian or Merck Animal Health representative. Or, to learn more go to The-Best-Defense.com/Guardian.

Scheduling a veterinarian to come perform a BSE 30 days prior to breeding is a small price to pay for insurance that each bull is ready to work when needed. is, you don’t find out until you are preg checking that you have cows that are open or that you’ll need to extend.” Synchronizing pounds and profit Herds that rely on artificial insemination (AI) also require coordinating lots of logistics before breeding season begins. To achieve a successful conception, lots of moving pieces must come together in perfect timing. “You have to have a plan,” says Bilby. “You want to lay out on a calendar what days to give injections and what type and the number of injections that need to be given.” Bilby recommends that breeders who haven’t used AI in the past consider whether the practice could potentially add profits to their operation. Using AI allows producers access to an expanded range of genetics, a shorter calving season and uniform groupings of calves. Bilby also cites added weaning weights on earlier born calves and the increased probability of breeding cows back in a shorter timeframe as additional reasons to consider the technology. “Synchronization can bring a lot to the table,” says Bilby. “It helps you select high-quality genetics, cluster the calving season, open the opportunity to use sexed semen and cut down on bull costs.” If considering the transition, Bilby says it’s easiest to synchronize and breed only a portion of the herd to begin with, then adjust the program to fit the needs of the individual ranch. Phasing the technology into the herd’s breeding strategies allows a rancher to ease into the program or test its profitability without having to make a drastic change. “With today’s bull prices, I would recommend looking at synchronizing and how that could help herds in the long run,” says Bilby. Estrus synchronization protocols for AI vary depending on the needs of the farm and even breed types. When setting up a program, Bilby recommends working with an AI technician and veterinarian. “The most common mistake I see is that ranches just aren’t prepared,” says Bilby. “The proper thing to do is walk through the process in your head — including the number of cows that will be done in one day and the equipment and help that will be needed. Where I see a lot of plans fail is in the preparation and coordination process. It’s vital you have a plan in place.” Fertility in first-timers Strategies for first heifer pregnancies will also require extra

attention before breeding season can begin. Bilby says heifers must be at 60 percent of their mature body weight before breeding and reach a body condition score of 6. Bilby recommends monitoring heifers for proper development and, ideally, selecting heifers that were born earliest in the calving season out of the most historically fertile cows. However, phenotype doesn’t tell all. Before selecting heifers to breed, he recommends checking reproductive tract scores (RTS) and requiring a minimum RTS 3 to make the breeding list. By using an RTS system, Bilby says beef producers can potentially improve conception rates for virgin heifers. “Select more heifers than needed for replacements, and breed heifers for no longer than a 65-day breeding season,” instructs Bilby. “Then sell the open heifers and always make sure to use a calving-ease bull.” Creating the final checklist As a plan begins to form for the breeding season, Bilby reminds producers not to forget the many vital chores that can impact a bottom line and prevent conception. By maintaining an emphasis on nutrition before breeding season, he says producers can meet the required body condition score of 5 for mature cows and 6 for heifers — before it comes time to breed. Pre-breeding vaccinations will need to be given, but ordering the correct vaccines and administering boosters will need to be on the to-do list. Bilby also recommends prioritizing accurate record keeping, allowing for the opportunity to assess what strategies worked, and what was unsuccessful. It’s a mistake he says he’s seen many times, not maintaining the in-depth records that can help producers make more informed and data-driven decisions in the future, based on the needs of their herd. Determining which breeding preparations and programs will best fit a ranch is an individual decision that is made best with help from outside resources. To assure a successful breeding program, Bilby advises producers to reach out to the thought leaders in the area and always partner with a local vet. From recommendations on the best choices for synchronization pharmaceuticals to the lineup of pre-calving vaccines that must be administered and preparing for the list of things that can go wrong, he says it helps to have a strategic plan, the right resources and a team in place who will help make sure it goes right. ❚

14 Merck Animal Health BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES – PART 10 thecattlemanmagazine.com

ONE DOSE. TWICE THE SECURITY. merck-animal-health-usa.com • 800-521-5767 Copyright © 2018 Intervet Inc., doing business as Merck Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 1/18 BV-Once-56398-B

Once PHM® IN protects your calves from Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida – two of the leading forms of bacteria that cause early-onset BRD – so you’re double covered. One intranasal dose, no needle, given as young as 1 week of age, is all it takes. Easy for you, easy on them. For more information, talk to your Merck Animal Health representative or visit The-Best-Defense.com/Once_PMH.

BEEF CATTLE PRODUCTION SERIES â&#x20AC;&#x201C; PART 10

Calf Implants Add Profits, Pre-Weaning Vaccination Profitability, Before Breeding Begins

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