The time is here... calving season has descended upon our ranch like a whirlwind of activity! And, true to the unpredictable nature of Northwest Colorado, the weather is playing its part with characteristic flair – or as I like to put it, "total crap". Just when we start to see a glimmer of hope with a couple of sunny days and a slight reduction in the relentless wind, Mother Nature decides to throw us a curveball. WHAM! The next day brings hellacious winds accompanied by swirling snow, turning our once-drying mud into a slippery mess once again.
But hey, every cloud has a silver lining, right? Despite the chaotic weather patterns, one thing remains somewhat consistent – the temperatures have been holding steady, relatively warm(er) than expected, with the mercury stubbornly refusing to dip below 20 degrees at night. It's a small victory, but one we'll gladly take amidst the chaos of calving season.
Now, let's talk about our resilient little bundles of joy – the calves. They're tougher than we sometimes give them credit for. They may be small, but they're mighty, capable of weathering the elements with a resilience that never fails to impress. However, as much as they can handle, the cold still poses a serious threat, and it's a constant battle to ensure their well-being in the face of such harsh conditions. The temperature swings can be especially dangerous leading to sick calves, hence why a comprehensive Herd Health Management Plan is so important.
Ranchers often vaccinate calves at tagging for several important reasons:
1. Timing: Tagging calves presents a convenient opportunity to administer vaccinations since it typically occurs shortly after birth. Vaccinating calves early in life helps provide protection against common diseases before they are exposed to potential pathogens.
2. Immune System Development: Newborn calves have immature immune systems and are particularly vulnerable to infections. Vaccinating them at tagging helps stimulate their immune response and build immunity against specific diseases. Also why it is VERY important for newborn calves to get adequate colostrum!
3. Herd Health Management: Vaccinating calves at tagging is an essential component of overall herd health management. It helps reduce the risk of disease outbreaks within the herd, thereby safeguarding the health and productivity of the entire group.
4. Disease Prevention: Vaccinations protect calves against various diseases prevalent in the region or those with a history of affecting the herd. Common vaccines administered at tagging may include those targeting respiratory diseases (e.g., bovine respiratory syncytial virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis), clostridial diseases (e.g., blackleg), and other infectious agents (e.g., bovine viral diarrhea virus).
5. Long-Term Protection: Vaccinating calves early in life can provide long-term protection against diseases, reducing the need for additional booster shots later on. This proactive approach to vaccination helps ensure the continued health and productivity of the herd as the calves grow into adulthood.
6. Herd Biosecurity: Vaccinating calves at tagging contributes to the overall biosecurity of the ranch by minimizing the risk of introducing or spreading infectious diseases. By vaccinating all calves in a timely manner, ranchers help maintain a healthy herd and reduce the likelihood of disease transmission between animals.
Overall, vaccinating calves at tagging is a proactive measure that plays a crucial role in promoting herd health, preventing disease outbreaks, and ensuring the well-being of the entire cattle operation.
Calves also receive a tag in one of their ears during this process. The tag identifies whether it is a heifer or bull calf, who it's mom is and which herd it belongs to. Each rancher has their own identification system, and in registered herds it is even more intense. We tag heifers in the left ear and bull calves in the right ear. The color of the tag shows which herd it belongs to and the number on the tag matches the calf's mom's tag. Numbers on the tag reflect the year that the cow was born on the ranch or purchased.
The video above shows the white tag in the calf's right ear, signifying a bull calf who belongs to the 'White tag' herd and his mom is cow number 335.
As we embark on this journey through calving season, let us remain steadfast in our commitment to the health and well-being of our cattle. Let us embrace the challenges that lie ahead with courage and determination, knowing that with each tag placed, each vaccine administered, we are taking proactive steps to ensure a brighter, healthier future for our herd and our ranching legacy. Beyond our own herd, let us also recognize the broader significance of our role as ranchers. By providing quality food for Americans, we are not only sustaining our livelihoods but also nourishing families across the nation. Our dedication to raising healthy, well-cared-for cattle is a testament to our commitment to integrity and excellence in agriculture.
Video above shows the red calf (pictured above) getting tagged and her first vaccination protocol. It is an easy process as long as momma cow complies. You can see that momma was worried and nearby for the entire process. The calf received a shot, an oral medication and her tag.
Commentaires