By Scout Nelson
In a recent episode of the Cattle Chat podcast, Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute veterinarians Brian Lubbers and Brad White tackled the topic of administering multiple vaccines to cattle. They discussed whether there is a limit to how many vaccines can be given at one time without overwhelming the animal’s immune system.
The veterinarians emphasized caution, especially with bacterial vaccines containing high levels of endotoxins. Excessive exposure to endotoxins could potentially cause shock in the animal. Lubbers explained that giving several vaccines simultaneously, such as five at once, might weaken the animal’s immune response.
He recommended spacing out vaccinations to prevent overloading the immune system. One suggestion is to administer three shots in the spring and three in the fall rather than giving all six in one session.
The duration of immunity varies among different vaccines. Some offer protection for six months to a year, while others last longer. Vaccination protocols can differ between cows and calves, and careful planning is essential for effective disease prevention.
White encouraged cattle producers to consult with their local veterinarian to establish a vaccination plan tailored to their herd’s needs. Important questions to ask include what is in the current vaccination protocol, whether anything needs to be added, and which diseases have been identified in the herd or the surrounding area. Biosecurity practices should also be considered when moving cattle in and out of the herd to ensure animal health.
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Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Dairy Cattle