Week Old Calf - Vaccines?

[Bubba1358]

Hey all,

My 3-yo Jersey just calved last weekend, and I have beautiful, healthy baby girl. This one is her second calf, but the first one we've had (her first was 5 mo when we got the pair).

I'm not certain what she needs as far as vaccines. Specifically, what do I need to give her, and when? I'm capable of doing it myself, having successfully drawn blood from Mama Cow and vaccinated 4 sheep last year.

Thanks.

[Athena]

Most vaccines can't be given in the first four weeks at least, because of the interference of maternal antibodies - the ones she got from the first colostrum. You have a little time yet.

[G. Seddon]

If your cow is fully vaccinated, she will pass immunity on to her calf through colostrum. Some people (myself included) give newborns selenium (Bo-Se), Vital E plus A+D, and an intranasal vaccine at birth, in addition to dipping the calf's navel.

We vaccinate at about 3-4 months and booster a month later so that when the calves are weaned, they are pretty well protected. Your vet can recommend a schedule and vaccines for your location. In the meantime, here's a good article from VA Tech on vaccinations:

http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/400/400-007/400-007.html

[Lady89]

i would call up your local large animal vet and ask as different sates and sometimes even different counties have different suggested vaccines depending on what diesis are prominent in your area

[chronic66]

I was just told about a product that I wish I had known about a month ago. It is Nasalgen IP, I believe. It is sprayed in the nostril. I believe it would have saved me from a terrible loss if I had known about this. I am getting it to keep on hand.

[Awnry Abe]

that's a good question for your local vet. Most things that you vaccinate against are very regional.