Vaccinating your beef cattle is crucial in preventing diseases that can impact the health and productivity of your herd. The vaccination program you choose should be tailored to the specific needs of your cattle based on factors such as geographic location, age, and physiological stage. Below is a table summarizing recommended vaccines for beef cattle and their administration schedule:
| Disease | Recommended Vaccination Period | Months Highlighted | Frequency of Vaccination | Age of First Vaccination | Physiological Stage |
| Blackleg, Anthrax, Botulism | Annually before rains | Jan to May | Annually | 4 months | Cows, heifers, bulls |
| Lumpy skin | Before the rains annually | Feb to July | Annually | 6 months | Cows, heifers, bulls |
| Vibriosis | 2 months before breeding season | None | Annually | 18 months | Non-pregnant cows, heifers, and bulls |
| Contagious abortion | 4-8 months of age | None | Once-off | 4-8 months of age | Heifers only |
| Rift Valley fever | Annually before rains | Jan to July | Annually | 7 months | Cows, heifers, bulls |
| Three-day stiff sickness | Annually before rains | Jan to August | Annually | 8 months | Cows, heifers, bulls |
| Reproductive diseases | Cattle Master annually | None | Annually | 6 months | Cows, heifers, bulls, calves |
| Clostridial diseases | One shot ultra/Coglavax annually | None | Annually | 6 months | Cows, heifers, bulls, calves |
| Scourguard | 10 and 6 weeks before calving | None | Annually | N/A | Pregnant cows and heifers |
Notes:
- Breeding season usually starts in November or December under controlled breeding. Calving typically begins around August or September.
- Vibriosis vaccination should be given to all breeding stock two months before the start of the breeding season.
- Only heifers should be vaccinated for contagious abortion at 4-8 months of age.
- Blackleg, anthrax, botulism, lumpy skin, three-day stiff sickness, and Rift Valley fever should be vaccinated against before the onset of the rainy season.
- Pregnant cows should be vaccinated with Scourguard at least 10 weeks before calving.
- Three-day stiff sickness vaccination is mainly done for dairy cattle before the onset of the rainy season.
- Clostridial diseases should be the first vaccination given to cattle.
Remember that a proper vaccination program can help reduce the incidence and severity of diseases, improve herd productivity, and ultimately increase profits. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best vaccination program for your cattle based on your specific circumstances.
Reference:
Fivet Animal Health
