Keeping Cattle Healthy
Perhaps the most critical phase of modern cattle feeding is in controlling herd health.
We have broken this subject into three categories:
- Disease control and vaccination
- Treatment and control of parasites
- Sanitation
Disease Control and Vaccination
This is essentially an area where the feedlot operator and veterinarian must make the decisions. In general, the following recommendations can be followed to reduce disease problems.
- Avoid stress as much as possible.
New cattle always feel stress from moving, new environment, new feed, and new water supply; to these are often added the additional stresses of malnutrition, weaning, bad weather, crowding, and bruising. Avoid added stress on cattle whenever possible.
- Work out a vaccination schedule that is satisfactory.
In a separate section you will find a discussion on Bovine Respiratory Disease. Follow recommendations in that section for a disease control program for Red Nose, BVD, PI-3, and Shipping Fever.
Vaccinations may also be indicated for such feedlot problems as enterotoxemias, Blackleg, Malignant Edema, and Leptospirosis. We suggest working out a program with the veterinarian since needs differ by regions.
- Use medicated feeds, particularly Rebound® feeds, during the starting period.
Terramycin helps hold down opportunist bacterial invaders that often infect stressed cattle. A low level of broad spectrum antibiotics in the ration during the rest of the feeding period is also suggested. Feedlot operators report fewer outbreaks of foot rot and other health problems since the use of this program began.
- Treat sick cattle promptly.
Sick cattle often aren't eating, so don't rely on medicated feeds alone to bring them back. Depending on the symptoms, injectable antibiotics and various sulfa treatments are available. The main thing to remember is to treat sick cattle promptly.
- Have a sick pen.
It is wise to separate sick cattle from the rest of the herd–not only will the sick cattle have a better chance of recuperating, but the likelihood of infecting the rest of the heard is decreased. The sick pen should be clean, well-bedded, and ventilated.
Treatment and Control of Parasites
Parasites are divided into two categories:
- Internal parasites
- External parasites
Internal Parasites
The most common internal parasite is the roundworm. Roundworm commonly infecting cattle are relatively small, about the size of a hair from an eyebrow. However, an animal infected with roundworms will be unthrifty and lose blood daily to these parasites.
We recommend worming cattle with the Kent wormer that best fits your needs. See the Kent Animal Care Handbook for details on wormers for cattle. It is suggested that the best time for worming cattle is about 30 days after they arrive in the feedlot.
External Parasites
Common external parasites are:
- Cattle Grubs
- Lice and Mange
Cattle Grubs
Anyone who has seen the damage to both hide and carcass created by cattle grubs will readily recognize the importance of using a grubicide. Cattle grubs are a part of the life cycle of the heel fly. During early summer months the heel fly deposits eggs on the hair follicles on the feet and legs of cattle, particularly calves.
Hatched larvae enter the body of the animal at the base of the hair follicles and begin a migration pattern through the body. The migration terminates when larvae reach the back of the animal, there they continue to grow and emerge through the hide in late winter. The larvae then hatch into heel fly, and the cycle is repeated. Interestingly, heel flies do not bite the legs of cattle; yet a common observation is to see cattle running wildly with their tails in the air when attacked by heel flies.
An ideal prevention system is through the use of systemic grubicides that attack the larvae early in the migration cycle. Cattle heavily infected with grubs and treated when the larvae is fairly well developed may suffer side effects caused by reabsorbing the dead larvae. It is important that recommendations be followed carefully when a systemic grubicide is used.
Lice and Mange
Lice and mange are common cattle parasites. Cattle should be sprayed for these parasites periodically, and it is also helpful to have an oiler or dust bag in the lot.
Proper spraying is important. Spray cattle soon after they arrive at the lot, and follow up with a second spraying two days later. Make sure cattle get soaked to the skin. Observe cattle for further signs of lice and mange. If there is noticeable rubbing, spray cattle again.
Pick a warm, sunshiny day to spray. Temperature should be above freezing. Many products are available and effective for use as sprays, and also in oilers or dust bags.
Sanitation
The need for sanitation in feedlot operations cannot be overlooked. Providing clean, fresh water, removing manure as often as possible, and practicing antiseptic measures during vaccination and treatment will help improve potential.
- Care of water supply
- Automatic drinking fountains should be checked daily, and any foreign material removed. The water supply should be checked for bacteria and nitrate content. A new well or addition of a chlorinating system may be advisable if the water contains high levels of either nitrate or bacteria.
- Stock tanks should also be kept clean.
- Make sure waterers are cleaned and disinfected when new cattle arrive in the feedlot. Stagnant water is a definite threat to the health of newly arrived cattle; and serves as a means of spreading infection from one animal to another.
- Manure Management
- An accumulation of mud and manure on the feet and legs of cattle is one of the greatest factors causing foot rot. Granted these accumulations are impossible to fully control when cattle are in non-sheltered lots during rainy weather. However, if manure cannot be removed, the addition of bedding materials, particularly corn cobs, will pay big dividends. Ideally, one should make piles from these bedding materials to provide some drainage. These mound piles should be made accessible to feed and water facilities. Constructing dirt mounds is also very helpful, but this must be done during favorable weather.
- Use of Antiseptic Measures During Vaccination and Treatment.
- The purchase of a beef animal represents a sizable investment. One way to help protect that investment is to sanitize injection sites before injection and to use clean, sharp needles.
- It is definitely possible that cattle mortalities have resulted due to improper vaccination and treatment techniques.