Agricultural News
BI's Dr. Doug Ensley Encourages Producers Take Proactive, Not Reactive Position on Herd Health
Mon, 18 Feb 2019 13:01:24 CST
According to Dr. Doug Ensley, professional services veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim, prevention is key when it comes to herd health management. While BI has disease treatments available for beef producers to purchase when the need arises, he says the hope is that preventative care is a producer's primary line of defense. Even if a sick animal fully recovers from a bout of illness, Ensley contends the damage has already been done. He explained that position in a recent conversation with Radio Oklahoma Ag Network Associate Farm Director Carson Horn during the 2019 Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans where he presented on the subject to producers in attendance. Listen to their complete conversation by clicking or tapping the LISTEN BAR below at the bottom of the page.
"When that animal gets sick, no matter when it does - it's not going to reach its genetic potential," he said frankly. It's not going to reach its maximum weight. It's not going to stay in the herd as long as it can or should have, if it's a female- So, the value is prevent that disease so they reach their full genetic potential."
This is a subject that should be of particular concern to producers this time of year with calving season and spring breeding coming up. For some producers, it is a year-round challenge if bringing new livestock in on a regular basis, which can add disease pressure on an existing herd population.
Ensley refers producers to BI's extensive arsenal of products that are available to help keep disease and parasites at bay. With a variety of vaccines, dewormers and a wealth of expert knowledge, BI and its service technicians can steer producers in developing the right herd health management program for their operation an address any problem issues specific to their region or environment.
In addition, Ensley says they can also help determine the optimal timing for the administering of preventative medicines to maximize value and efficacy and springboard cattle to their best chance at achieving their full genetic potential.
Ensley's best advice in this respect is to deworm and vaccinate when it's best for the cow, not when it's most convenient for you. Deworming cows prior to breeding season or prior to calving, for example. In his opinion, timing is often one of the most overlooked aspects of herd health - but also one of the most important to get right.
He encourages producers to visit with their local veterinarians and develop a plan specific to their operation's needs. He says a vet can advise on the right products that will be most advantageous to your herd health goals.
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