A Realistic Herd Health Program

Abstract

Since the goal of the cattlemen is to maintain and improve a profit margin, a workable herd health program is a must for beef producers in the l 980's. Our herd health program was developed with major emphasis on preventive medicine.

Your goals as a veterinarian might be:
l. All cattle vaccinated against common disease each year.
2. All cattle wormed twice a year.
3. A brucellosis free and certified herd.
4. All adult cows and bulls have Ectrin ear tags for fly control and ear tags for identification.
5. All animals treated with delice and grub kill in the fall.
6. All bull calves castrated and implanted each year.
7. All cows pregnancy tested and open ones culled each fall.
8. All cattle dehorned in the herd.
9. All bulls soundness examined each winter.

I feel if the veterinarian has communication with the cattlemen in the area, then a profitable and meaningful herd health program can be established.