Raising Healthy Calves: Stage 2

By Dr. Lee Jones, DVM, M.S., Department of Population Health, Food Animal Health and Management, Tifton Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory, Associate Professor, University of Georgia

Last month, I wrote about the importance of getting calves off to a good start. Things such as cow nutrition during pregnancy, the calf environment during the first 30 days of life, and getting timely colostrum all play a critical role in calf health.

Now that calves are here and doing well, we want to keep it that way.

Vaccinating calves is an essential part of protecting calf health. A common vaccine that all calves need is the 7-way vaccine that we commonly call “blackleg” vaccine. It actually stimulates resistance to more than just blackleg, though. Thrifty, fastgrowing calves that suddenly experience bloating or abdominal pain (colic) may suffer from enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens toxins in the gut. The toxins produced from C. perfringens are thought to be caused by an increase in intestinal starches or sugars. Many times, the calves are suddenly found dead without any clinical symptoms. Vaccinating calves either at or shortly after birth with a 7-way Clostridial vaccine containing C. perfringens type C and D is an effective control practice. Blackleg is a disease caused by Clostridium chauvoei that is also in the same vaccine. Blackleg is preventable, but we still frequently see it at the diagnostic lab. This vaccine is one of the best ones at stimulating protection, and calves should get at least two doses by the time they are weaned.

Bull calves not intended for breeding should be castrated by 3-4 months of age or earlier. I checked the USDA feeder calf marketing reports, and in January almost a third of the feeder calves sold in Georgia were bulls. Sellers lost an average of $75 per bull calf sold, compared with steers of same age and weight. Not only are bull calves worth less than steers, but they are also at a higher risk of getting sick after castration. Castrating calves at a young age is much less risk. Waiting until after weaning increases the odds that calves will develop pneumonia, requiring antibiotic treatment. With improving calf prices, farmers should seriously consider selling steers, not bulls.

Some people prefer to band their bulls. Tight bands placed over the base of the scrotum shuts off blood supply to the scrotum and testicles. Vaccinating against tetanus is recommended if calves are banded. When Clostridium tetani infects dead tissues, it produces the tetanus toxin. The vaccine given at the same time stimulates the immune system in time to protect the calf against infection with C. tetani. Regular 7-way vaccine does not contain tetanus, so make sure that you are buying one that does if that is needed.

Dehorning calves also improves calf sale price. As with castration, performing this practice earlier is also recommended because it is much easier on the calf than waiting until the horns are larger. Including pain control, such as local lidocaine block and some meloxicam, also seems to help.

Respiratory virus vaccines are also recommended. Recent research shows that calves can be effectively vaccinated as early as 2 months of age. Viruses such as bovine viral diarrhea virus types 1 and 2, bovine herpes virus 1 (also known as infectious bovine rhinotracheitis), bovine respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza 3 are viruses in the respiratory vaccines. The vaccines come in killed or modified live (MLV) options. There are nasal options as well for BHV, BRSV and PI3 but not BVD. This vaccine is squirted up the calf’s nose. MLV vaccines stimulate a vigorous immunity quickly in a single dose in most calves (not 100 percent, though) but are not recommended for calves nursing pregnant cows that haven’t been vaccinated with the same vaccine. KV vaccines are safer for vaccinating calves nursing pregnant cows that have not been vaccinated, but they require a booster 4-6 weeks later to be effective. Unfortunately, many farmers sometimes omit the second dose. Knowing which vaccine to use and when can be confusing. Consulting a knowledgeable veterinarian is important.

There are also a lot of questions about deworming calves. Most calves less than 300 pounds have very few worms. Calves pick up worms from grazing pasture; so, unless calves are grazing, they should not have worms. Pour-on dewormers are the least effective of our options. Oral, also known as “white” wormers, are the most effective. Generally, it is recommended to deworm calves after 4-5 months of age or over 400 pounds for best results. In the Southeast, calves are exposed to worm larvae on pastures most of the year – with hot, dry summer months having the least exposure. The optimal time to deworm depends on the season as well as the age and weight of the calf.

Following Beef Quality Assurance principles is also important. The Beef Quality Assurance slogan says, “The right way is the only way.” While BQA started out more than three decades ago with the purpose of reducing residues and blemishes in meat, it has developed into a total quality approach to raising beef. NCBA estimates that there are a little over 725,000 beef cattle farms in the U.S. In 2017, there were just over 200,000 people BQA-certified. Today, there are dozens of certification programs about raising and marketing quality beef. All of them are designed to show the consumer that we are careful about how we produce the beef that we sell; that we follow high standards in raising this beef; that we stand behind it; and that we want you to be confident in the product that you buy – in that it was raised humanely and sustainably, and that it is safe and wholesome for your family to eat.

Low-stress handling is a must. There are several low-stress handling workshops now across the U.S. This practice has become widely accepted and adopted as the new standard for working cattle. Several studies have proven the benefits of using low-stress techniques on livestock health and performance. Like the facility design, low-stress handling uses cattle’s natural tendencies to handle cattle when working through the handling equipment. There is a common saying, “Slower is better.” What that means is that not getting in a big hurry and applying too much pressure on cattle actually makes the process go smoother and even faster.

Raising healthy calves is just good stewardship. Today, farmers can get paid for their work. There are many sales that pay premiums for well-managed calves. Finding the sales might take a little effort – but it is well worth it.

A crossbreeding program for commercial beef producers

To learn more or to enroll, please contact Chessie Mitchell, RAAA tag program coordinator, at tags@redangus.org

Clinton M. “Bubba” Crosby Jr. Jan. 23, 2023

Mr. Clinton M. “Bubba” Crosby Jr., 75, of Claxton, Ga., passed away on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, at his home.

Bubba was born in Savannah, Ga., to the late Clinton M. Crosby Sr. and Virginia Bennett Crosby. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Nadine Nelms Crosby, and a brother, Michael Crosby. An electrician by trade, in the 1970s Bubba founded a civil and sitework company in Savannah, Ga. He had many lifelong employees whom he worked with side-by-side. In addition to operating the construction company, he served on the Board of Directors for Southside Fire Department/Chatham Emergency Services for over 30 years. In 1994, Bubba purchased his beloved farm in Claxton, Ga. He worked very hard developing the land and named it Circle C Farm. His interest in the sport of cutting horses led to his desire to compete, resulting in winning many titles. Over the years, Bubba strived and succeeded in producing the highest quality of Black Angus cattle in the industry. As a result of his hard work, in 2020 he was presented with the Commercial Producer of the Year award by the Georgia Angus Association.

Bubba cherished his family more than anything. He leaves behind his wife, Judy Hawkins Crosby; children and spouses, Jennifer Crosby Williams (Darin), Misty Crosby Wilson (Chad), and Chance Crosby (Aly); grandchildren, Britton Williams, Blake Williams, Andy Wilson, Anna Wilson, Jay Crosby, and Luke Crosby; brother, Ray Crosby; and several nieces and nephews.

Bubba was a treasured member of the community, always putting others first, willing to help when needed. He will be greatly missed by many.

The visitation was held at Silk Hope Baptist Church, located at 4929 Pineland Drive in Savannah, on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. The memorial service to honor Bubba’s life followed in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, it was suggested that remembrances be sent to Silk Hope Baptist Church Family Life Center, 4929 Pineland Drive, Savannah, GA 31405.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes, West Chatham Chapel, had charge of arrangements.