The importance of vaccinating pregnant cows is not just a casual suggestion, it is a game-changer for both mama cows and their baby cows. For those of you who are just starting in the farming world, this is especially important to take note of.
Picture this: Farmer Sizo Tshabalala from Elukwatini, Mpumalanga faced some tough times because he did not vaccinate his animals before mating season. The result? A loss of 43 pregnant goats, 39 unborn calves, and several of his chickens as collateral damage. It is a heartbreaking situation, and no one else should be going through it.
According to Tshabalala, these losses can be avoided by ensuring that every farmer is clued up. “It is important to read these leaflets to know exactly what you are vaccinating your herd with.”
He mentions that they vaccinate against lumpy skin, black quarter, and 3-day stiffness during the winter season in preparation for the current rainy season. This is because the rains bring along certain illnesses.
He further explained that vaccinating for reproductive diseases during gestation is not an ideal approach. Many of the reproductive diseases that can be vaccinated against can have significant effects on gestation, particularly within the first two months or even earlier.
Why vaccinating your pregnant cattle is essential
According to Ernest Makua, livestock technical advisor for the Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), vaccinating pregnant cattle is a crucial management practice. Its primary goal is to safeguard both pregnant cows and their developing fetuses from infectious diseases.
He says “When cattle are pregnant, their immune systems may be slightly compromised, making them more susceptible to certain diseases. Additionally, protecting the unborn calves from these diseases is crucial for their health and survival.”
Clostridial vaccines, Leptospirosis vaccine, Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVD) vaccine, Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) vaccine, Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) vaccine, and Parainfluenza 3 (PI3) vaccine are some of the most common vaccines given to pregnant cattle, according to Makua.
He goes on to say that some of these vaccinations protect against clostridial infections including tetanus, blackleg, and enterotoxemia. Some vaccinations can prevent the transmission of germs from the dam to the fetus, while others can assist in minimising the risk of illness and its effects during pregnancy, and yet others can protect pregnant cows and prevent viral transmission to calves.
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Factors to be considered
In general, the best time to vaccinate a pregnant cow depends on the particular vaccinations and vaccination regimens prescribed by veterinarians or livestock specialists, states Makua.
“Commonly, cows are vaccinated before they become pregnant to establish immunity and protection for the upcoming breeding season.
“This helps ensure the cow is protected and can pass on some immunity to her calf through colostrum (the first milk produced after birth),” he explains.
However, if a cow is not vaccinated before becoming pregnant or requires booster doses, Makua advises consulting with a veterinarian to establish the best timing and immunisation to provide during pregnancy.
“Some vaccines are safe to administer during specific stages of pregnancy, while others may pose risks to the developing calf,” he shares.
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Why you should read and follow vaccine instructions
Cattle vaccination leaflets, according to Makua, contain information on the recommended vaccination regimen for various age groups and kinds of cattle. Understanding this schedule is critical for ensuring that the animals receive the necessary vaccinations at the right times, maximising their protection against numerous illnesses.
“By reading the vaccination leaflets, farmers and livestock owners can learn about the diseases the vaccines protect against, storage and take proactive measures to safeguard their cattle from potential outbreaks,” he explains.
Vaccination of cattle against particular diseases is required in some regions, adds Makua. Farmers can therefore ensure compliance with local regulations and requirements for livestock health management by perusing the vaccination leaflets.
Furthermore, Makua recommends consulting with a registered veterinarian for particular suggestions specific to your cattle’s health and pregnant state. Vaccinating cattle during pregnancy requires careful thought since some vaccinations may endanger the unborn calves.
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