The-Ledger-Spring2018

5 percent aborted and none of their calves or fetuses had IBR or BVD. Of the females that received saline injections and were then exposed to the IBR/BVD challenge, 73 percent aborted, and IBR and BVD were detected in 100 percent of the calves or fetuses. You have solid fetal protection if you switch to a killed vaccine.” Setting Your Cattle Up for Success To ensure you have the immune system covered on your replacement animals, Perry recommends that you give a modified-live vaccination around weaning time to activate that side of the immune system. Then move to using killed vaccines in your replacement females to activate the other side of the immune system, ensuring the best possible reproductive scenario. After all, the more females you get bred early in the breeding season, the heavier and heartier your calves are at weaning and the higher your profit. “Modified-live vaccines are needed to set up animals; we need that side of the animal’s immune system primed. But, when moving to the reproductive herd, modified-live vac cines can have adverse effects,” Perry explained. “There’s mounting evidence of the adverse effects of modified-live vaccines occurring. In our research study of 19 herds and 3,000 animals, we have seen a 5- to 8-percent difference in conception rates between modified-live and killed vaccines given on label.” Pre-breeding vaccination programs should be carefully considered when it comes to the proper product and vacci nation timing. It’s best to work directly with your veterinar ian to develop a plan that works for your herd, keeping in mind that your vet will know the level of disease exposure of your herd. TL

S FOUR FARMS

Available for Sale Now! FULLBLOOD and PERCENTAGE Heifers and Bulls in both Red and Black

S FOUR FARMS Allen Sieverkropp 22288 Sagebrush Flats Road • Ephrata, WA 98823 509-750-4203 sieverkropp@gmail.com • sfourfarmslowlines.com

PO Box 220 Old Chatham, NY 12136 chathamridgefarm@gmail.com 518-766-0430 Straws now available from our two top Sires!

CRF Skidmore FM 6331 2008: Iowa State Fair Grand Champion Fullblood Bull

Spring Creek URI FM7758 (Approved for export) 2009: Grand Champion: Colorado State Fair American Royal Reserve Grand Champion: Houston Stock Show 2010: Reserve Champion: Denver National Show Houston Stock Show

The only bull ever to beat “The Brick” A huge asset to the breed, producing numerous champions.

SPRING 2018 | 17