A good general herd health program is essential when planning your cattle operation. It will not only provide for healthier, better performing cattle; it will also help insure that you are producing a safe, wholesome product, which consumers can purchase with confidence. When a good program is in place, many potential health problems can be prevented. Also, a good general herd health program can provide economic savings with fewer sick cattle to treat.
When working with your cattle, it is important to do the job right. Train the people who work with your cattle. Inexperienced people should be shown proper cattle handling to avoid stress, how to mix vaccines and how to give injections and implants properly. It may take a little extra time to make sure a procedure is done correctly. Those few extra seconds of care can reduce the risk of blemishes and help ensure a good immune response or quick recovery from illness. Blemishes in the carcass caused by rough handling, bruising, or incorrect product application, must be trimmed out and are not saleable. These trim outs lose money for the packer, feedlot operator and eventually for the producer.
Preventive herd health management practices are critical for:
·Reduced potential for meat residues and carcass blemishes
·Improved animal health
·Reduced drug usage
·Herd Health Management
·Decreased costs and cull rate
·Sustained profitable beef production
Investments in disease prevention are more cost effective than disease treatment. Some examples include:
·Proper management of calves at weaning versus treatment of respiratory disease and coccidiosis
·Isolation and retest of purchased cattle versus introducing disease into the herd
·Calving cows in a favorable environment versus treatment for calf scours and respiratory disease.
Develop a comprehensive herd health management program in consultation with your veterinarian, extension agent and other related professionals that can provide consistent and ongoing support.
Your veterinarian plays an important role in preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases. Selecting the right treatment depends on accurately diagnosing the problem. Work with your local veterinarian to develop a healthcare program designed to fit your specific needs. Consult with your veterinarian to choose a vaccination and herd health program that will work for you.
Minnesota’s Beef Quality Assurance program requires the establishment of a Valid Veterinarian/Client/Patient Relationship (VCPR).
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines a Valid Veterinary/Client/Patient Relationship as follows:
An appropriate veterinarian/client/patient relationship will exist when:
(1) The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgments regarding the health of the animal(s) and the need for medical treatment, and the client (owner or caretaker) has agreed to follow the instructions of the veterinarian.
(2) There is sufficient knowledge of the animal(s) by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal(s). This means that the veterinarian has recently seen and is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal(s), and/or by medically appropriate and timely visits to the premises where the animal(s) are kept.
(3) The practicing veterinarian is readily available for follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of regimen of therapy.