Agricultural News
Preconditioning Calves Needn't Be Hard - Even Simple Programs Can Offer Big Returns to Ranchers
Mon, 11 Sep 2017 11:55:09 CDT
Preconditioning programs for beef calves can not only generate improved health outcomes, but also provide additional price benefits at the sale barn. With dozens of pre-formulated programs out there for producers to choose from, Extension Veterinary Specialist Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek, told Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Farm Director Ron Hays, that even the simplest of programs can significantly improve any rancher's operation and bottom line.
"There's been lots of studies to show that whether producers sell on video auctions or other auctions, typically if they mix a good vaccination program with perfect timing, they'll net some income from actually using a preconditioning program," he said. "For me, that means two to four weeks before the desired weaning time, let's get a good product that basically includes all the respiratory diseases and then also Blackleg. Let's get those vaccines in those calves."
By doing this, you will set up your calves with a stimulated immune system to help fight off post-weaning diseases. Hanzlicek strongly recommends working with your local veterinarian to help you develop your personalized vaccination program, as every product works differently to a degree in different geographical areas. Once the program is implemented, the next step is to make it known what practices you employ on your operation. Take advantage of special preconditioned sales as a channel for marketing your cattle. But before you consign to a sale, be sure you understand the auction's requirements.
"There are sales that are called preconditioning sales, but they have stringent requirements on what products that need to be used, and when," Hanzlicek advised. "It's important producers get ahold of the people and ask what exactly needs to be done to have cattle sold in that sale."
Oklahoma has several of these sales, administrated by State Beef Quality Specialist Gant Mourer. Ten such sales will happen between now and the first of the year under the Oklahoma Beef Quality Network banner. For more information or to reach Mourer for additional advice on implementing a preconditioning program or consigning/buying from one of these sales, click here to visit the OBQN website.
Listen to Dr. Gregg Hanzlicek speak on the value of implementing a preconditioning program into your operation and getting it started with Farm Director Ron Hays, on today's Beef Buzz.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
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