Pre Weaning Management
Pre Weaning Management The number one cause of death in calves over six months of age is pneumonia. Treatment of calves with pneumonia is also costly and despite treatment lung damage can affect thrive. Last year we encountered severe outbreaks of pneumonia each week from September to February. Hoose control is critical. If calves have not been dosed before now do so immediately. Hoose larvae have been unable to move from the dungs on pasture during the dry spell and now following the rain, high levels of hoose larvae are present on pasture. This, combined with cattle grazing extremely tight, means that calls to hoose pneumonia are very common now. If you had issues with pneumonia last year then
- Calves should be dosed immediately
- Vaccination against the common respiratory viruses is the best solution in sheds with recurrent problems.
- Any stressful procedures e.g. castration/dehorning should ideally be carried out well in advance of weaning
- Calves should be vaccinated now in advance of weaning