(Continued from Page 89)
auction or centralized distribution point. Calves purchased
under these circumstances should be started on a diet that is
relatively high in fiber and gradually adjusted to a higher
energy finishing ration.
The Immune System
The immune system helps animals resist disease by pre
paring them for the stresses they are sure to encounter. A
general understanding of how the immune system functions
is important in developing an effective animal health pro
gram.
An extensive network of small vessels constantly moni
tors the animal for the presence of foreign agents or materi
als that may penetrate protective body coverings. This
network, called the lymphatic system, funnels the foreign
disease-producing agents to the lymphoid system, which
recognizes them as abnormal and begins to neutralize their
destructive potential.
The neutralizing activity establishes groups of cells capa
ble of creating antibodies that specifically attack the
disease-producing agents. Antibodies normally attack two
to three weeks after the foreign agent enters the animal’s
body. However, cells that also have a memory function can
produce antibodies much more quickly-in about three
days-if the same agent attacks the animal a second time.
The blood circulatory system delivers the highly specific
antibodies to the site(s) of irritation. The functioning of the
animal’s immune system is called active immunity because
the animal actively participates in the production of antibo
dies.
Your Partner for
Nutrient Management Compliance
Tuiti to the full-time Nutrient Management Team from Brubaker Consulting Group to help you
develop your individual manure management plan. Brubaker Consulting Group offers complete
Nutrient Management Services, including:
•CAFO Permitting
• Nutrient Management
Plans
• Engineering Services
To find out if your farm meets current requirements or to learn more about us, call today.
HlSrubaker 1 -800-840-1 711
CONSULTING GROUP
E-mail: info@ brubakergroup.com Website; www.brubakergroup.com
Vaccination And Age Increase Immunity
Two of the most effective aids in maintaining animal
health are vaccination and natural or age-related immunity.
Vaccination intentionally exposes the immune system of
animals to a specific agent, permitting it to respond quickly
to a subsequent infection. A second intentional exposure is
known as a booster vaccination. Vaccination can substan
tially reduce severe disease problems, especially those
caused by viruses, if the times of peak stress and the usual
disease-producing agents are known.
In the absence of vaccination, viruses often achieve their
full destructive potential. Antibiotics are not effective
against viral infections, but they are often used to reduce the
severity of secondary infections caused by environmental
bacteria.
Natural immunity is acquired in the course of normal
aging. As animals age, they are constantly exposed to infec
tious agents; during periods of minimal stress this exposure
generally stimulates immunity without disease symptoms.
As a result of increasing immunity and improving ability to
handle stress, older animals are usually more resistant to
disease than younger animals are. Thus, purchasing more
mature cattle can help reduce the incidence of disease.
Preshipment Conditioning
Recommendations can be made for minimizing stress in
feeder calves. Since the change from the maternal to the
feedlot environment involves tremendous stress, prepara
tion for this period-preconditioning-has been the focus of
attention. The buyer of feeder cattle should be aware of rec
(Turn to Page 72)
• Barnyard Evaluations
• Spreader Calibrations
• Manure Analysis
• Soil Testing
• Soil Erosion
Conservation Plans
• Renewal Assistance,
and more