Calving Season Vaccines

With so many vaccine choices out there, how is one to know what is needed, especially during the busy calving season? This question was put to our resident cowboy and livestock specialist, JR, and we decided to come up with a "short list" of options for vaccinating during the calving seasons (Spring and Fall).

For the calf (usually at 3 months or older):

A 7-way or 8-way blackleg vaccine is recommended. Some of our more popular versions are:

• Ultrabac 7
• Vision 8
• Covexin 8 (7-way + tetanus)
• Ultabac 8

We also have Cavalry™ 9 which is an 8-way blackleg plus tetanus. This is also the time to protect against IBR, BRSV, PI3 and BVD. Some suggestions for the calf are:

• Vira Shield 6
• Triangle 5
• Cattle Master Gold FP 5

For the first time heifer, or mama cow, this is the time to protect her too. Suggestions for this include:

• Vira Shield 6 + L5
• Vira Shield 6 + L5^HB
• Triangle 10
• Cattle Master Gold FP 5 L5
• Master Guard 10 HB

If you are planning on shipping a cow or calf, you will need to protect against shipping fever (pneumonia). You can use any of these:

• One Shot by Zoetis
• Pulmo-Guard PHM-1
• Presponse HM
• Pasteurella (Pneumonia) Vaccine by Colorado Serum

There is also an intranasal version for calves 1 week or older called Once PMH® IN (by Merck).

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If you have more questions about calves, calving, vaccines, or livestock, feel free to call or email JR Miles, our Livestock Products Specialist, by email at jrmiles@jefferspet.com, or call 1-800-533-3377 and ask for JR. He can usually be reached Mon-Fri from about 9am - 5pm (Central).

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Information given here is meant to be helpful and/or educational. It is, in no way, intended to supersede, challenge or supplant the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a licensed veterinarian.