The Butler County Cattlemen are, again this fall, offering classes to help producers better manage their beef herd. Dr. Ken Krom, of Krom Veterinary Clinic, spoke on heifer health at our ’07 annual meeting. We have planned a follow-up program for Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the Collinsville Community Center in Butler County, Ohio.
Infectious diseases threaten profitable beef and dairy production. Vaccination is an important component of control and prevention of these diseases. A vaccination program, however, is not a substitute for good nutrition, adequate ventilation, effective sanitation and other health management procedures.

Vaccination programs should be developed in cooperation with the herd veterinarian. Individual herd circumstances, including disease history, management, housing, feeding practices, breeding, and other factors, affect the specific vaccination programs in any beef or dairy operation. Type of vaccine, such as killed or modified live, timing, costs and benefits, and other factors must be considered. Rigid recipes that fit all production units are impractical and even dangerous if not used in individual herds with professional care. Improper use of a vaccine can lead to vaccine failure or possibly even more dire consequences.

Vaccines help prevent infectious diseases, but few provide 100 percent immunity for all animals in a herd. Most vaccines raise the general level of herd immunity so that the threat of spread of an infectious disease is minimal.

Dr. Krom will discuss health issues such as calf scours and how a cow vaccine can help if producers who encounter this problem. What do producers need to do to keep calves healthy and ready to gain whether the producer retains ownership and background, or they put the calves directly into the feedlot or even sell them?

Krom will also discuss the added issues you might face when purchasing calves. What vaccination program is needed for the best management practices?

Sandwiches will be provided beginning at 6:30 p.m. The program will begin at 7 p.m. with everything wrapped up about 9 p.m. We need firm reservations called to Jim Booker at 513-738-1147 by noon on Friday, Nov. 28. This class is free to all Butler County Cattlemen; non-members will pay $10 at the door. We welcome all who are interested; you don’t need to be from Butler County to attend.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Steve Bartels may write to him in care of this publication.