Human medicine vaccine and livestock vaccine decisions may not be so different
Vaccine decision, worries and goals for both humans are livestock are much more similar than some may think. Written By: Emily Beal | ×
Livestock vaccinations and vaccines given in human medicine have many similarities. (Jenny Schlecht / Agweek)
Many people must decide whether to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or other infectious diseases. The vaccination decisions and vaccination in general that livestock producers and veterinarians have to make are somewhat similar to those that are made in human medicine.
“We give vaccines to our animals for the same reasons we would for giving vaccines to people, and that is to alleviate the effects of infectious diseases,” said Russ Daly, South Dakota State University Extension veterinarian and professor.
Farm Progress
TEST EARLY: A dry fall and mild winter didn’t allow for pasture surface waters to be replenished with fresh water, so it is recommended that ranchers test the quality of water for their livestock before turning them loose in the pasture. Lack of precipitation heightens the need to test quality of water in ponds, dugouts and dams before livestock graze land.
Suggested Event
Jun 15, 2021 to Jun 17, 2021
If drought conditions linger, water’s value as a resource will be even further reinforced. The quantity of water is not only critical, but also its quality, especially for livestock, says cow-calf specialist Robin Salverson.
Farm Progress
DELAY TURNOUT: Grass tetany can be found in fast-growing cool-season grasses on pasture. If possible, ranchers should delay turning cattle out to graze until plants are 4 to 6 inches tall. Monitoring herd for disorder is vital, as animal health can rapidly decline.
Suggested Event
Jun 15, 2021 to Jun 17, 2021
With 2021 shaping up to be a drought year, cattle ranchers might not be worrying about grass tetany. It’s a condition normally associated with wet years, says cow-calf specialist Adele Harty, “when we’re going to have a lot more of that early-spring growth with our cool-season grasses.”
Harty, with South Dakota State University Extension at the Rapid City Regional Center, says the metabolic disorder associated with grazing lush, rapidly growing pastures can occur any year even in drylot situations.
Last year took those with pop-up greenhouses by surprise. As a result of the pandemic, they found their shelves were bare as early as a month before their normal closing time. We had no idea that many people were going to start gardening, said Gayle Cole, who has operated the Garden Spot on Washington Avenue for nearly 30 years.
This year, with fresh stock rolling in from wholesale suppliers, four greenhouses in Madison are open and ready for area gardeners. Lewis Drug moved its greenhouse from the east parking lot to the south parking lot. It s kind of like a little park back here, said store manager Julie Janssen on Thursday as she watered plants. Having taken the Master Gardener class through South Dakota State University Extension, she enjoys being outside, working in the garden center and assisting customers.
Pierre, SD, USA / DRGNews
May 6, 2021 8:22 AM
South Dakota State University Extension is offering on-site livestock water testing service at all SDSU Extension Regional Extension Centers and several SDSU Extension County Offices throughout the state.
“It is critical to monitor livestock water quality, because poor quality water can have a negative effect on growth, reproduction and general productivity of the animal,” says Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist. “In some cases, death could occur within days or hours after consumption of contaminated waters or water deprivation.”
Water samples can be taken to one of the sites listed below and must be collected in a clean, plastic or glass container. This includes water or pop bottles, jelly jars, etc.