Cattle farmers, particularly those focused on optimal herd productivity, must prioritise animal health and management, especially during gestation.
In this episode, Kenneth Malatji, an animal health technician from Afrivet, discusses practical strategies for preventing calf abortions, improving reproductive success, and managing vaccinations during pregnancy.
Malatji highlights key factors influencing fertility and reproductive success, offering guidance on disease prevention, vaccination protocols, and maintaining a stress-free environment for pregnant cows and heifers.
Malatji explains that vaccinations play a vital role in protecting cattle from diseases that could negatively affect reproduction and herd productivity. For example, diseases such as brucellosis, bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD), and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) can lead to abortions and stillbirths if not properly managed.
He advises farmers to consult state veterinarians or Afrivet agents for region-specific vaccination programmes.
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Vaccinations and pregnancy
“Using vaccines to prevent diseases is a small investment with high returns,” he says.
Malatji recommends that farmers complete vaccinations before the breeding season but notes that if vaccination during pregnancy is necessary, only inactivated (dead) vaccines should be administered under veterinary supervision.
“This vaccine does not pose any risk of crossing the placenta or affecting the foetus, making them safer to use during pregnancy. So there is no risk of abortions when using this one.”
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Abortions and stillbirths in cattle can arise from a variety of causes, including infectious diseases, nutritional deficiencies, toxic substances, and environmental stressors. Malatji highlights brucellosis and BVD as common infectious diseases that can lead to reproductive failures.
“One of the first indications may be abnormal vaginal discharges, which can include blood or mucus. These discharges are always a warning of the complication of pregnancy.”
He urges farmers to monitor for symptoms such as restlessness and loss of appetite, which may also indicate that an abortion is imminent.
In this episode, Malatji also discusses:
- Managing stress in cattle;
- What to expect during the calving process; and
- Additional resources for cattle farmers.
Dive deeper into the episode and gain insights from the award-winning Farmer’s Inside Track, officially recognised as Africa and the world’s best podcast at the 2024 Digital Media Awards presented by WAN-IFRA, the global press organisation.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices)
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