CATTLE HERD HEALTH CALENDAR
Revised July 15, 2010

Cherokee Animal Clinic
Anthony Holcomb D.V.M. & William Prachyl D.V.M.


Working Cows
Vaccinating Cows


All vaccinations listed below are recommended for the East Texas area.
***NOTE: Haemophilus Somnus, Pinkeye, E.coli, Rota, & Corona vaccinations are a "risk based" vaccination and not listed below as routine care.
Please consult one of our veterinarians before giving.***

  Breeding Program Vaccination Schedule Parasite Control Calf Management Heifer Management Pasture Forage Business Management
January Give Protaglandin (Lutalyse or Bovilene) to synchronize heifer breeding. Fertility exam breeding bulls. Vaccinate cows & heifers prior to spring breeding & bulls w/ Vibrio-L 5, IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV. De-worm herd (ivomec, dectomax, synanthic, panacur, etc.) Observe heifers 3x/day for calving. Assist 1-2 hrs after water breaks. Observe cows 2x day for calving. Assist 30 min after water breaks. Observe colostrum intake w/I 6 hrs of birth. (Colostrum dose-2 qts every 6-8 hrs in 1st 24 hrs) Heifers supplement 1-1 to gain 1/2#/day. Feed to reach critical minimum weight by 14 mos of age(breeding critical weight is 75% of mature weight)   Develop master plan. Establish yearly goals (i.e. 95% calf crop w/ 92% weaning - averaging 590# & up). Prepare budget. Plan improvements for herd, pasture, working pens, fences, etc.
February     Treat for lice as needed, start fly control.     Spray herbicide  
March Expose heifers to bulls (1 bull to 20-25 head)     Medicine to keep on hand: Colostrix, re-sorb, fluid feeder, oral E.Coli vaccine (if scours outbreak). Autopsy any unexplained deaths/losses. Prostaglandin prior to breeding. Breed heifers 30 days prior to cow herd. Breed heifers for 60 days (use calving ease bulls). De-worm & vaccinate as described above. Soil test, fertilize pastures & hay meadows. Spray to control weeds. Drag manure & fire ants.  
April Expose cow herd to bulls (1 bull to 20-25 head)     Individual identification-ear tag to maintain production records. Record birthweight. ***NOTE: Retainment of early breeding heifers will increase the overall reproduction performance for your herd in years to come.***    
May Remove bulls from heifers Vaccinate calves w/ IBR, BVD, PI3, Syncytial (booster in 3 weeks), Blackleg 7-way (initially between 2-4 mos. - repeat after 6 mo.) De-worm calves 2 mos of age and up.     Prepare & arrange hay inventory. Allow 750-1000# per head per month of forage. Analyze hay & forage. Integrated Resource Management: Consult w/ vets for herd health recommendations (as needed). Consult w/ nutritionist for supplementation advice (as needed). Consult w/ exam service for pasture improvement (as needed).
June     Re-treat as needed for fly control (500 fly count per head is cost-effective for treatment). De-horn, castrate bulls, de-worm & vaccinate calves. Implant steers & heifers - 45 days old.      
  Breeding Program Vaccination Schedule Parasite Control Calf Management Heifer Management Pasture Forage Business Management
July Palpate heifers/cull open (open & late breeding heifers will remain slow breeders). Remove bulls from cow herd.   De-worm herd (ivomec, dectomax, etc.)   Palpate and sell open heifers Drag manure & fire ants  
August       Identify by lab test any scour problems.      
September Palpate cows-cull open. Evaluate nutrition, pasture etc.     Individual weights of calves at weaning. Record on dams production records.     Marketing: Direct sales, auction, contract, retained ownership, etc.
October Submit aborted fetus, placenta, serum for testing. Vaccinate cows & heifers prior to fall breeding w/ Vibrio-L 5, IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV Treat for lice as needed.   Wean heifers @ 6 mos: Vaccinate for brucellosis, IBR, BVD, PI3, Syncytial, Pasturella One-Shot, & Blackleg 7-way. De-worm, weigh, dehorn (as needed), remove extra-teats, brand, tattoo, & ear tag for individual identification. Plant winter pasture (oats, ryegrass, etc.). Over seed (15-20#/acre). Control brush. Drag manure & fire ants.  
November     Remove fly tags to prevent over wintering of flies (dust, spray, pour-ons, etc.)        
December   Vaccinate weaned calves w/ brucellosis, IBR, BVD, PI3, Syncytial, Blackleg 7-way, & Pasturella One-Shot     Retain 10-20% more heifers than needed-cull later on early early pregnancy and/or open status.    

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Cherokee Animal Clinic
P O Box 416
(Hwy. 84 East)
Rusk, TX 75785

For Appointment or Emergencies
Call 903-683-5315

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