C⁴E3: Processing calves.
Ideal timing for vaccinations in calves is a few weeks before weaning. This offers the best chance for vaccine efficacy. When calves are processed and can go back to their dam (mother), this limits the spike of cortisol from the stress of separation. Cortisol impairs the immune system and its ability to react to vaccine and create antibodies appropriately. Administering vaccine before weaning also gives time for those antibodies to form and become effective before calves are at the highest risk for respiratory disease after weaning.
I typically administer a dewormer for GI parasites and topical pesticide for flies, lice, and ticks at this time.
Ideally, bull calves are castrated around 1 month of age or sooner, but these were done at this time, too. The younger calves are castrated, the easier it is on them for recovery and the less risk there is for blood loss and other complications.
The last calf shown is getting its horns tipped. I use a lidocaine nerve block and typically administer an anti-inflammatory when dehorning or tipping horns for pain management.
C⁴E2: Reproductive Tract Scoring (RTS) and measuring pelvic areas of yearling heifers. This is done pre-breeding along with vaccinations +/- internal and external parasite control. These measurements help cull animals that are not suited for breeding at a time when they are most valuable to sell or divert into finishing for beef. Removing heifers that do not meet the minimum pelvic area from the breeding herd greatly reduces the chances of dystocia (difficulty calving) and emergency veterinary visits to pull calves. Preventative care is incredibly valuable!
Note: This footage was taken in the fall (pre-breeding) for a fall-calving herd, but is still relevant in the spring as this is the time for measuring heifers in spring-calving herds.
