Herd Health Care

Although selective management and proper nutrition play a big part in the overall health of our herd, it does not cover all the diseases, parasites and injuries that can occur throughout the lifetime of an animal. A good vacination program, combined with treating for seasonal parasites, and checking the cattle regularly ensures the physical, environmental, and yes, mental (as they are herd animals) needs, are addressed here at Double "H" Farms.

HERD HEALTH CARE

VACCINATIONS: Our cattle are vaccinated utilizing the Texas Beef Quality Assurance Guidelines. The vaccinations we use are approved and safe for use in pregnant, and or lactating cattle, and in suckling calves. Immunizations are given for the following:

7-Way Blackleg (Clostridium Chauvoei-Septicum-Novyi-Sordellii-Perfringens types C&D, Bacterin-Toxoid) Vira Sheild 5 (Bovine Rhinotracheitis-Virus, Diarrhea-Parinfluenza 3-Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine) (IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV)

Vibrio/Lepto 5 (Campylobacter Fetus-Leptospira Canicola-Grippotyphosa-Hardjo-Iceterohaemorrhagiae- Pomona Bacterin)

Pinkeye (Moraxella Bovis Bacterin)

Bangs (Brucillosis)

Warts

As needed

Scours

As needed to young calves

Antibiotics

As needed

B12

As needed to young calves

All vaccinations are given annually. Calves will usually recieve each vaccination prior to weaning with a booster at 30 to 45 days. All female calves are vaccinated for Brucellosis at or before weaning. All show cattle recieve TB testing and Brucellosis testing regularly, and sometimes TSV-2 IN. Consultation with our veterinarian ensures any special situational needs are met, and our cattle are recieving the proper treatment.

PARASITES: Our cattle our routinely vaccinated for external and internal parasites. We use a combination of Injectable, pour-on and spray-on treatments. The cattle are wormed for internal parasites semi annualy. Usually after the first frost (Nov) and again about 3 weeks after the spring grasses come in (Mar/Apr). External parasites are controlled with spray, pour-on, and ear tags. The following treatments are used:

Ivomec 1 & 2%

Injected and pour-on for treatment internal parsites

Permethrin 1 and 10% Pour on and spray concentrate for external parasites

Ear Tags

Seasonal only

HOOVE CARE: All our cattle over yearling age may recieve an annual hoof trimming. This keeps their feet healthy, and their legs sound. It also keeps them traveling correctly. Any cattle we decide to show will get theirs starting about 8 months, and then about every 6 to 8 weeks. Any cattle identified with corns affecting their gait or causing problems will have them removed. Hoof rot (knock on wood) will be treated with antibiotics as soon as it is identified. We have not yet lost any cattle or had any lameness as a result of this common problem in cattle.

EYE CARE: This is for those cattle people who still think Pink Eye is inherited in Hereford cattle. Pink Eye is a managent problem, "not" a Hereford problem! The fact remains that for years Hereford cattle dominated the free range (approximately 60%). If 60% of range cattle were a particular breed, then it can be expected that they will be associated with 60% of common affictions. The truth is, the percent of eye problems may be no higher in Herefords than in any other breed. Range cattle can be very difficult to manage, and eye problems un-checked can rapidly spread from animal to animal. Add the fact that Herefords, due to their ability to perform under adverse conditions, are used in areas where the climate may be hot, dusty, dry, cold, and sparse in vegitation, and it is no wonder they have been associated with these problems. Those conditions would irritate any animals eyes! Besides, the majority of other cattle breeds would not even survive these conditions. Our cattle are still routinely vaccinated for pink-eye, and our cattle are watched closely and subsequently treated if eye problems occur. Breeding for pigmentation also helps to reduce glare effects.

HAIR /HIDE: Proper nutrition plays the biggest part in a healthy hide. Topical treatments for external parasites also helps in the condition of the hide and hair. We do not use any type of hide brands on our cattle. Our cattle are tatooed in the ear for identification. We do, however, own a few cattle which we have purchased through other breeders that carry a brand on the hide. Show cattle are bathed in order to maintain a healthy clean shiny coat of hair, then topical application of conditioners may be applied..

BODY CONDITION: Once again, nutrition plays the role here. We like our cattle to maintain an average of 6 to 7 on a body condition score. At calving time and at weaning we want our cattle to be a minimum of a 5. If cattle under our program can not maintain a BCS of at least 5 during peak periods of nutritional demand, and there is no reason identified, they are subject to culling. Of course there are the exceptions to the rule; those who continue to rebreed, wean a good calf and stay healthy although they may look borderline.