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VAC - 45 stands for a Value Added Calf that has been weaned 45 days before
being offered for sale AND has received immunizations for the bovine respiratory
diseases. Many producers have the capability to gather calves and
vaccinate them prior to weaning. If calves are allowed to return
directly back to familiar surroundings with their dams immediately after
vaccination, better immunity is established. Calves immunized when
under very little if any stress have been shown to develop a more functional
immune system. With this in mind, the concept of the VAC - 45 program
has developed some momentum in the cattle industry. Two options are available
for use with this program. One is based upon a pre-weaning vaccination
followed by re-vaccination at weaning. The other is based upon vaccination
at weaning followed by a booster re-vaccination 14 to 21 days later.
The type of vaccines used depends upon whether or not the calves are nursing
or weaned at vaccination. In both options, the cattle are backgrounded
at least 45 days after weaning before delivery for sale. Calves that
are vaccinated while still nursing, should be vaccinated with a product
that clearly states on the label that it is approved for use on calves
nursing pregnant cows. After the calves are weaned, a modified live
vaccine given to the calf can be used with no risk of abortion to the cow.
Consult with your local veterinarian about the vaccine choices that are
best suited for your herd.
The value of the VAC-45 calves is becoming better understood among cattle
buyers. In 1997, Colorado State University scientists studied
the effect of value-added health programs
on the sale price of calves sold through nine video auctions.
The average sale price of calves that received the VAC-45 program was $3.89
per hundred weight higher than calves that not been in a health program
and had not received a virus vaccination at some time prior to auction. |
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