Despite producer pushback on the economics of strategic vaccination, preconditioned calves are table stakes, especially with the current market conditions. Timed vaccination can also support reduced antibiotic use.
Vaccines against BRD pathogens (such as IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida) are widely available. Still, their effectiveness depends heavily on timing and management, writes Oklahoma State University’s Paul Beck, PhD. He comments on a recent paper that highlights how vaccination strategies early in calves’ lives can improve animal health and performance later.
Source: BEEF, October 8, 2025. Link.
Vaccinating calves during the cow-calf phase before stressful transitions, rather than reacting afterward, provides the best protection.”
INSIGHTS: Articles like this offer veterinary teams opportunities to engage producers about early vaccination timing.
Also see: Treating bovine respiratory disease is complex, BEEF, October 2, 2025. Link. K-State field trials highlight the need for case-specific decisions in managing feedlot cattle health and economics.
Related:
- Education, a necessity for veterinary-producer relationship creation and sustainability, AHD, September 30, 2025. Link.