Livestock producers are being urged to “think twice” before cutting back on health measures.
While “there is pressure this spring to reduce input costs wherever possible,” short-term savings can backfire in the longer term, says a new blog from the Beef Cattle Research Council.
“Skimping on your vaccination or vitamin and mineral programs may save you in the short term, but can set you up for long-lasting negative consequences,” says a May 5 blog posting on beefresearch.ca.
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The post outlines several concerns, including vitamin A deficiency (which can triple calf mortality in extreme cases); increased incidence of pneumonia, scours, or navel infection caused by low mineral levels; and why a good vaccination program “is cheap insurance to prevent large-scale disease outbreaks.”
