Setting up the Newborn Calf to Respond to Spring Vaccinations

By Karla Wilke ,Cow-calf & Stocker MGT Specialist UNL

Most veterinarians recommend vaccinating nursing calves against clostridial, respiratory, and digestive pathogens at two months of age to bolster immunity against those pathogens until the calf can be given another round of vaccinations just prior to weaning, often referred to as preconditioning. Veterinarians, industry consultants, and university personnel often emphasize the importance of proper vaccine handling and administration as being paramount to benefitting from the long proven efficacy of a good vaccination program. However, what...