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Choose Cattle Vaccines Correctly

published: June 11th 2010
source: Pfizer Animal Health

When trying to improve profitability, one of the most important factors for producers to consider is the reproductive health and performance of their herds. This is especially true because one open cow can cost a producer nearly $400 annually.

 “Reproductive vaccines can help improve a herd’s reproductive performance,” says John Rodgers, DVM, Veterinary Operations, Pfizer Animal Health. “Even if the herd already has an excellent track record of reproductive performance, producers shouldn’t forego a reproductive vaccination program because a complete program can help maintain that performance.”

 However, Dr. Rodgers notes that choosing the best reproductive vaccine protocol to help protect the reproductive health requires careful consideration.

 “Producers should first talk with their veterinarians to develop reproductive vaccine protocols that will provide the optimal results desired for their individual operation,” Dr. Rodgers says. “Additionally, disease concerns may vary depending on the location. Local veterinarians will be familiar with disease challenges that are specific to their area and can help develop a reproductive vaccine protocol to address those concerns as well as common reproductive diseases.”

 
Some diseases that nearly every producer should watch for include IBR, BVD and Lepto hardjo-bovis. However, when choosing a reproductive vaccine program to help protect against these diseases, producers also need to consider the attributes of the vaccines themselves, adds Dr. Rodgers.

 
“It’s important for producers to look for a vaccine with demonstrated efficacy against the reproductive diseases they’re concerned about,” Dr. Rodgers says. “They also should consider the duration of immunity and safety when choosing a vaccine.”

Bovi-Shield GOLD® products offer producers the flexibility to choose a reproductive vaccination program that best fits their operations. What’s more, Bovi-Shield GOLD reproductive vaccines help provide protection against IBR, PI3, BRSV, and BVD Types 1 and 2, and offer at least 365 days of immunity for IBR abortions, BVD Types 1 and 2 persistent infection, Lepto hardjo-bovis infection, and Lepto hardjo-bovis urinary shedding and kidney colonization.