Cattlemen's Corner

Posted April 23, 2014 at 2:41 pm

Cutting losses to Blackleg disease

Every year hundreds of quality feeder calves die to a disease called Blackleg. The sad truth is this is one of the most easily prevented at the cheapest cost of any cattle sickness. Proper management with timely workings can eliminate loss to Blackleg and put several more dollars in the pockets of producers.

Blackleg is caused by a spore-forming bacterium. These spores can survive in the soil for many years. After they are ingested from pasture by the animal, they then enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream they are transferred to the growing muscles and surrounding tissues. During this stage most cattle appear to be healthy and show no outward signs of being infected. This is the danger of Blackleg.

When enough of the spore-forming bacterium is ingested then the cattle quickly become infected. Once affected with Blackleg, the animal can die within 48 hours. Many times the first sign of problems a producer notices is finding a dead animal. Treatment is costly and often unsuccessful.

The best solution therefore is prevention. Prevention is accomplished by vaccinations to calves after they reach three months of age and preferably before they reach 400 pounds. An annual booster is recommended.

A Blackleg vaccine that contains seven or eight clostridial bacterin including (chauvoei) costs about 60 cents per dose. Many of newer vaccines have also been combined to include pinkeye protection in one shot. These vaccines run about $1.75 per shot. Vaccines should always be administered according to Beef Quality Assurance guidelines.

Losing the income from one 450 pound steer calf at today’s prices would more than cover the total cost for several years of vaccine protection. This should be one of the easiest decisions to make in cattle farming.

Precondition or wean on the truck?

This question will always be in the minds of cow/calf producers as they make marketing decisions each year. To be honest there will never be a cut and dried answer but there are several facts that need to be considered. Every producer’s situation is a little different and you must make the best decision for you.

Fact 1: A preconditioned calf is a healthier, stronger, older, and overall better calf for the next guy. You have done your job to this point.

Fact 2: To precondition a weaning calf will require proper facilities, vaccinations, additional feed and water, labor, interest on your investment, and additional risk.

Fact 3: There is no guarantee of what the market will do during the preconditioning period. It may fluctuate either up or down.

Fact 4: Preconditioned calves in special sales get grouped together which increases the possibility of receiving higher prices.

Fact 5: There is no guarantee you will clear more net dollars by preconditioning calves. Order buyers that will be bidding your calves will always try to buy them as cheap as they can….even preconditioned calves.

Fact 6: Good genetics with proper crossbreeding, good milking mama cows, efficient use of rotational grazing, quality minerals, and a sound health program can go a long way in raising heavy calves at weaning time.

The bottom line is there are not many enterprises available where you can put money into a product and hope that in 45-60 days you can make even more net dollars. Basically this is the concept of preconditioning calves. You provide the calves, you put the extra money into it, and others will determine if you are to be profitable. The old saying “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” pretty much sums up the feeder calf market in today’s cattle business.

Until next time keep putting on the pounds.

Steve