More isn't always better

摘要

When the subject of herd health surfaces, phrases like, "I never compromise on the health of my cattle" or "I don't cut corners on my health program" are common. I like those statements, but the frugal part of my DNA (actually the majority) and the scientific part ask, "Is this ideal?" Let's look at vaccination, antibiotics and deworming.The "I vaccinate for everything" plan is rarely correct. Yes, calves that are unweaned, not vaccinated or de-wormed, and that may have come from a herd where nutrition was not optimal, have a high risk of developing bovine respiratory disease (BRD). I get that. I also know that the calf s immune system may not give an optimal immune response if we give too many antigens at once.