A herd health program is a planned set of veterinary, nutritional, and management practices designed to prevent disease, improve productivity, and maintain the overall well-being of cattle. In the cow-calf sector, it’s customized to each operation’s genetics, environment, feed resources, and marketing goals.
It’s important to remember that no two ranches are the same. Your herd health plan should be tailored specifically to your operation, taking into account your management style, local disease risks, nutritional resources, and marketing strategies. Working closely with a veterinarian ensures the program is realistic, effective, and suited to your unique herd.
Why It’s Important
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Disease prevention: Reduces the need for costly treatments and minimizes losses.
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Better productivity: Healthy cattle breed more efficiently and raise stronger calves.
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Lower mortality and culling rates: Fewer losses from illness and injury.
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Market value: Documented herd health protocols can improve buyer confidence and sale prices.
Simple Herd Health Program for Cow-Calf Operations
1. Veterinary Partnership
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Review the plan annually with a veterinarian.
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Adjust protocols for herd size, disease history, and market goals.
2. Breeding Management
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Ensure cows have adequate nutrition before breeding.
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Perform breeding soundness exams on bulls 30 days before turnout.
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Define a breeding season to improve management and culling efficiency.
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Consider AI or estrus synchronization where feasible.
3. Calf Health Timeline
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At Birth: Ensure colostrum within 6 hours; ID calves; castrate/dehorn if desired.
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Branding (~6 weeks): Primary clostridial and respiratory vaccinations; parasite control; implants for non-replacement calves.
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Preweaning (3–6 weeks before weaning): Booster vaccinations; Mannheimia hemolytica if needed; deworm.
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Weaning: Practice low-stress handling; final boosters as required.
4. Replacement Heifers
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Vaccinate for Brucellosis per regulations.
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Manage diet to reach target breeding weights.
5. Cow and Bull Vaccinations
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30–60 days pre-breeding: Vaccinate for vibriosis, leptospirosis, and respiratory diseases.
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Deworm and manage lice as needed.
6. Nutrition
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Test feed for protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals.
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Provide high-magnesium supplements before calving and breeding in grass tetany risk areas.
7. Biosecurity
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Quarantine new stock for 30 days.
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Test for diseases such as BLV, Johne’s, and BVDV.
8. General Practices
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Handle cattle in cooler hours to reduce heat stress.
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Use proper injection sites and clean syringes.
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Change needles frequently.
