HEALTH. BUSINESS. WELL-BEING.

BovineVetOnline.com
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

CALF HEALTH ISSUE

POWER OF PREVENTION
Veterinarians weigh in on the Sandhills Calving System
and other practices that reduce neonatal diarrhea
page 10

NEW, UNIQUE ANESTHESIA GOOD, BAD AND UGLY

page 6 page 15
 EDITOR’S NOTE

News You Can Use

O
CONTENT
ne of my favorite articles from this past
Editor & Content Projects Manager: Rhonda Brooks
Contributing Editors: Karen Bohnert, Paige Carlson, year focuses on work done by Dr. Elizabeth
Jenna Hoffman, Greg Henderson, Taylor Leach, Jennifer Shike Homerosky with Veterinary Agri-Health Services.
Content Director, Producer Media: Katie Humphreys
Art Director: Lindsey Pound
She wanted to address the issue of newborn beef
Proofreader: Megan LaManna calves unable to acquire optimal passive immunity.
ADMINISTRATION After conducting a study and examining the data,
Chief Executive Officer: Prescott Shibles one parameter stood out as a key indicator of calves
President: Charlene Finck with the problem: the strength of their suckle reflex.
President, Insights & Trust In Food: Amy Skoczlas Cole RHONDA BROOKS,
Homerosky determined a
Chief Operating Officer: Jeff Pence EDITOR
Chief Financial Officer: Joe Matthews Learn more simple practice can help you and
Chief Revenue Officer: Matt Morgan editors@farmjournal.com
about Homer- producers gauge a calf’s suckle
Chief Strategy Officer: Mitch Rouda
Chief Experience Officer: Tami Barre osky’s work: reflex: Gently insert two fingers
Chief Creative Officer: Craig Heimbuch into the calf’s mouth, rub the roof of its mouth and evaluate
Chief Technology Officer: Bob Clinkert
how strongly the animal responds to the stimulus.
Executive Vice President, Broadcast: Brian Conrady
Senior Vice President, Livestock: Dustin Johansen By identifying calves with a poor response quickly after
Senior Vice President, Human Resources: Jennifer Perkins birth, Homerosky says practitioners and producers have
Vice President, Crop Sales: Tyler Smith READ MORE
Vice President, Enterprise Data Solutions and
ample time to intervene, if needed. BV
Insights: Ben Gist
Vice President, Audience Development: Donna Hansen

SALES
Annie McCullough, FJMLivestock@farmjournal.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 Vol. 9, No. 8
Leah Mindemann, FJMLivestock@bock-assoc.com
Peter Rupert, FJMLivestock@bock-assoc.com
Nicole Starr, FJMLivestock@farmjournal.com
6 24
Advertising Production NEW, UNIQUE ANESTHESIA VACCINATION PROTOCOLS
Production Manager: Michelle Bauer
Lidocaine-impregnated latex band Researchers evaluate timing
Advertising Manager: Dena Lawhead
Operations Manager, Livestock: Ramona Rei soothes castration pain. strategies for high-risk calves.

HOW TO REACH US
Reader Comments: Email editors@farmjournal.com or
write to 8725 Rosehill Road, Suite 200, Lenexa, KS 66215.
10 30
POWER OF PREVENTION ONE BLACK MARK
Subscription Changes:
The Sandhills Calving System can Liver abscesses impact the success
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Farm Journal, Attn: Customer Service reduce cases of neonatal diarrhea. of beef-on-dairy production.
820 James Street, Webster City, IA 50595

15 34
GOOD, BAD AND UGLY RESPIRATORY SUPPORT
Properly pack specimens so they arrive Dairy calves ready for transport might
in good shape for diagnostic testing. benefit from an immune stimulant.

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Implementing a weaning pro-
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RESEARCHERS AIM a healthy start
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NEW PRODUCT

NEW, UNIQUE ANESTHESIA

Lidocaine-impregnated latex band
addresses castration pain
The use of heavy, elastic bands for castration is a
practice long employed in the production and man-
agement of beef and dairy calves and lambs.
Now, an innovative tool called Lidoband is avail-
able to help veterinarians, livestock producers and
managers in the U.S. and Canada address the need
for castration and significantly reduce any associated
pain and discomfort in the process.
Lidoband, from Solvet, is a lidocaine-impregnated
latex band approved for use in calves under 250 lb.
and in lambs under 50 lb.
The new, one-step tool is helping revolutionize
what is a standard castration practice in the livestock
industry, says Steve Schram, a pharmaceuticals mar-
keting executive and spokesman for the company.
“This is a groundbreaking tool that’s helping
veterinarians and producers address an unmet need,
both current and future animal welfare requirements,
while keeping calves and lambs safe and healthy in
the process,” Schram says.
Long-Term Pain Relief
Lidoband provides a local, soothing anesthesia
to the application area, according to Lionel Gibbs,
Solvet chief executive officer.
“Each band is infused with 80 milligrams of
lidocaine and stops the pain and discomfort associ-
ated with banding,” Gibbs says. “It’s a slow-release
product that doesn’t go systemic; it stays in the local
tissue and works for up to 42 days.”
The length of pain relief provided to the animal
is critical. Banded castration in calves commonly
requires three to six weeks before the testes are
sloughed off. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 15 mil-
lion castration procedures are performed each year.1
“An additional benefit of using Lidoband is the
area around the scrotum stays very clean. There’s no
flaky, scabby problem, and that’s a valuable byprod-
uct of using it,” Gibbs says.
Animal Well-Being Benefits
Schram notes that Lidoband helps address a
long-time, unmet need in the industry to reduce the
pain associated with castration by banding. The only
pain-relief options available for the practice until now
were to use an oral or injectable product.
“Addressing and eliminating pain are the right
things to do, and this is a tool veterinarians can use
to educate producers who were unaware or knew
little about the pain associated with the practice of
banding,” he says.
Lidoband is available for purchase over-the-counter
through traditional distribution channels, including
various farm supply stores.
Schram says there is little to no need to come into
contact with the product during application. Each
band is individually packaged in a foil-sealed blister
and can be used with most commercial elastrator
applicators (not included).
“But as a standard precaution, the company rec-
ommends that you use latex gloves during adminis-
tration,” Schram adds.
Looking ahead, Gibbs says Solvet is finalizing the
development of a new version of Lidoband that will
be suited for use with larger animals in the livestock
industry. —Rhonda Brooks

1. Coetzee J.F., Nutsch A.L., Barbur L.A., Bradburn R.M. A survey of castration methods and associated livestock management
practices performed by bovine veterinarians in the United States. BMC Vet. Res. 2010;6:12. doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-6-12.

6 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 BovineVetOnline.com

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ANIMAL HEALTH
Mycoplasma bovis
The bacteria can be tricky to treat and prevent
BY RHONDA BROOKS
T wenty years ago, infectious
disease caused by Mycoplasma
bovis (M. bovis) was on few bovine
veterinarians’ top 10 lists of health
concerns. Not anymore.
“It’s really kind of exploded the
last 20 years or so in the dairy
industry,” says Geof Smith, DVM
and a dairy technical services veteri-
narian with Zoetis.
Beef animals aren’t off the hook,
either. The bacteria routinely con-
tributes to disease and related issues
in cow-calf herds, backgrounding
operations and feedlot cattle.
Zoetis reports M. bovis is a cause
of mastitis, arthritis and bovine
respiratory disease (BRD). The latter
can be chronic, leading to irrevers-
ible lung damage and mortality.
“I would say 60% to 70% of dairies
have Mycoplasma at least as a com-
ponent of the respiratory disease
they deal with,” Smith says. “I talk
with a lot of veterinarians who don’t
think they’ve had it in their herds,
and then it shows up as a major
component of a problem they’re
dealing with. So, I think it’s known
but underrecognized,” he adds.
IT EVADES NOTICE
M. bovis has several unique
survival mechanisms allowing it to
dodge the immune system and sup-
press a calf’s response to disease.
“Unlike most bacteria, it’s a very
small, simple organism that doesn’t
have a cell wall,” Smith says.
As a result, he says some products,
8 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
“I would say 60% to 70% of dairies have
Mycoplasma at least as a component of the
respiratory disease they deal with.” —Geof Smith
penicillins and cephalosporins, Mycoplasma in their calves,” he
are ineffective, because they are says. “There is the theory you can
designed to attack the cell wall. have chronic Mycoplasma bovis
Likewise with sulfonamides- carrier cows in herds that are able to
trimethoprim, which stop folic acid transmit it to their calves, and then
production, something most bacte- those calves spread it to the rest of
ria need but not Mycoplasma. The the herd.”
same is true for vaccines historically,
which have been aimed at antigens TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
or components of the cell wall. Active ingredients such as macro-
“One of the other tricky things lides, oxytetracyclines, fluoroquino-
about this organism is it doesn’t lones and florfenicol are licensed for
grow in regular culture conditions,” treatment of M. bovis.
Smith says. “So if you send a sample For prevention, Smith recom-
to the lab and specifically request a mends using the cattle industry’s
Mycoplasma culture, you might still first modified live vaccine for
not find out it’s there.” M. bovis: Protivity. It can be used in
Smith says there are still many calves 1 week of age and older.
unknowns about the ways M. bovis “Protivity is a great option for
is transmitted, which researchers producers who want to limit antimi-
continue working on to understand. crobial usage, improve herd health,
“We know it’s transmitted through optimize productivity,” Smith says.
milk and by nose-to-nose contact, He also advises pasteurizing milk
but there are dairies that manage to and limiting stressors, such as trans-
prevent those factors yet still have portation and commingling. BV
BovineVetOnline.com PHOTO: LINDSEY POUND
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COVER STORY

Power Of Prevention HERE ARE THE

Reduce neonatal diarrhea in beef calves

1.
with the Sandhills Calving System
Cows are turned into the first
BY PAIGE CARLSON AND RHONDA BROOKS calving pasture as soon as the
first calves are born, and calving

I n the early 2000s, a group of researchers at the University of Nebraska- continues for two weeks.
Lincoln developed what’s become known as “The Sandhills Calving System,”
which helps prevent contact between beef calves and decrease the potential
transmission of pathogens that cause neonatal diarrhea (scours).
“A young calf in its first week of life finds its worst enemy to be a calf that’s
3 to 5 weeks of age, from a germ standpoint,” says Bob Larson, DVM and pro-
fessor at Kansas State University. “A calf between 3 and 5 weeks of age will
shed more germs that can cause scours than any adult cow or an older calf.”
The Sandhills Calving System involves the scheduled movement of
pregnant cows to clean calving pastures to minimize pathogen loads in
the environment and contact time between calves and the larger portion
of the cowherd. This ultimately recreates the more ideal conditions that
exist at the start of the calving season with each move.

HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
“The idea is to segregate calves
by moving the heavies (cows that
have not calved) onto new pastures
to recreate the start of the calving
season. It’s like having eight one-
week seasons versus one eight-week
season to stop the pathogen buildup
from shedding calves,” says Eric
Liska, DVM and a Merck Animal
Health veterinary technical services
specialist for beef.
“If producers could implement
this system, or even a modified
version of it, it could go a long way
toward reducing the incidence of
neonatal diarrhea,” he adds.
To get a practical idea of how
the system could work on the farm
or ranch, consider this scenario
provided by Kansas State University
Extension bovine veterinarians:
A rancher has four paddocks and
200 pregnant cows. In the first 21
days of the season, half of the calves
(100) are born. In the next 21 days,
another 25% (50) of the calves are
born. The remaining 25% (50) are
born after the first two breeding
cycles (42-plus days).
Anticipating approximately 100
calves will be born in the first three
weeks, the rancher might consider
moving the pregnant cows for the
first time on approximately day 10,
anticipating a similar number of
calves to be born in the following
10 to 11 days. The rancher can then
move the pregnant cows for the
second time at the conclusion of the
first 21-day breeding cycle. Over the
next two weeks, the rancher might
expect a fewer than 50 calves to be
born. However, to keep the calves
at a similar age, the rancher should
move the remaining pregnant cows
to the final paddock. At this point,
the disease pressure will likely be
less as the calves are born over a
longer period of time.
Brian Lubbers, DVM and associ-
ate professor at Kansas State, sug-
gests producers not reuse pastures
during calving season. The goal is to
keep new calves on clean ground.
So, what if there are not enough
paddocks available? “I always work
backward, depending on how many
pastures I have,” Lubbers says.
While moving the heavies as the
system prescribes is ideal, Larson
suggests moving the herd as many
times as possible, given the land
resources available. In other words,
some movement of the heavies is
better than no movement at all. BV

10 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 BovineVetOnline.com ILLUSTRATION: LINDSEY POUND/ISTOCK

FOUR BASIC STEPS OF HOW THE SANDHILLS CALVING SYSTEM WORKS:

2.
After 10 to 14 days, the cows
that haven’t calved are moved to
Pasture 2, with the cow-calf pairs
remaining in Pasture 1.
3.
After seven days of calving in Pasture 2,
the cows that haven’t calved are
moved to Pasture 3, and cow-calf pairs
born in Pasture 2 remain in Pasture 2.
4.
With every subsequent week,
cows that haven’t calved are
moved to a new pasture, and pairs
remain in the pasture of birth.

SIX CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PLANNING PROCESS

As you think about how to help producers reduce the incidence of calf diarrhea (scours) by imple-
menting the Sandhills Calving System, consider these six factors during the planning process: LEARN MORE

1. CLIENT BUY-IN: 4. NUTRITION AVAILABILITY:

Consider which clients will be open to imple-
menting the system; their buy-in is critical to
the program’s success.
2. SIZE OF PADDOCKS:
Make sure the number of calves anticipated to
be born will have sufficient space.
3. WEATHER CONDITIONS:
Ideally, use the more protected or sheltered
paddocks toward the beginning of calving
season, while more open paddocks can be used
later as weather conditions improve.
Determine feed delivery and water access.
5. EASE OF ACCESS:
Fencing or easy access pathways will be required.
6. EVALUATION:
Records can help you and the producer eval-
uate the success of the system and what to
tweak for the next calving season. In addition,
the system might also serve as a management
tool to help you and producers keep track of
cows bred in the first cycle compared to those
that breed back in the second or third cycle.

BovineVetOnline.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 11

COVER STORY

REDUCE THE RISKS

Four recommendations to prevent or treat calf scours
Even the best of producers, whether beef or dairy, have to contend with calf diarrhea, or scours, at some point.
Consider the following four recommendations from veterinarians on how to reduce the incidence of scours as well
as a management “decision tree” that can be used to address the problem. —Rhonda Brooks

1. LIMIT STRESS DURING CALVING SEASON.

Weather is always a concern, especially in the spring. Having a place for
calves to get out of storms and mud can help. This can be accomplished by
using shelters or creating a calf escape area by adding a hot wire in the cor-
ner of the lot where calves can freely enter but cows remain outside. Shelters
can become sources of contamination if left unclean and wet. Because ven-
tilation and sunshine are vital to keeping calves healthy, moving shelters or
using open air concepts have been shown to be beneficial. —Halden Clark,
DVM, MS; Lindsay Waechter-Mead, DVM, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

2. USE BIOSECURITY AND BIOCONTAINMENT MEASURES.

In general, isolate, quarantine and perform appropriate tests on all herd
additions regardless of their age. Specific to calves or upcoming calves:
Introduce pregnant herd additions at least 30 days prior to the start of
calving season. This will allow time for exposure to new pathogens, antibody
development and secretion of antibodies into the colostrum. Do not add
calves to the herd until the youngest calf in the herd is over 30 days of age.
Buying a calf at a livestock auction or from a dairy for a cow that has lost a
calf can introduce diseases that the herd might not have immunity against.
—John Kirkpatrick, DVM, retired, Oklahoma State University

3. A GOOD OFFENSE STARTS AT PREGNANCY CHECK.

Pregnancy checks are a good opportunity to evaluate the body condition of
cows and heifers and adjust nutritional or mineral requirements so they are
in adequate body condition as they get close to calving. In areas that might
be affected by drought, this is especially important as feed supplementation
might be needed to ensure protein and energy requirements are being met.
This also is a good time to consider a scours vaccine. Vaccinating cows and
first-calf heifers with a scours vaccine prior to calving stimulates antibody
production that will result in higher-quality colostrum, ultimately giving
calves better protection against scours. —Tim Parks, DVM, ruminant
technical service manager, Merck Animal Health

4. IMPLEMENT THE CALF SCOURS TREATMENT DECISION TREE.

This is a tool veterinarians can use as a hand out to help producers
work through a possible treatment protocol. Check it out on page 14.
—Joe Armstrong, DVM; Eric Mousel, Ph.D., University of Minnesota

12 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 BovineVetOnline.com

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COVER STORY

CALF SCOURS TREATMENT DECISION TREE

Is the calf able to stand?

No Yes

Administer 1 liter of warm lac- Does the calf have suckle reflex?
tated ringers or isotonic sodium
chloride IV, if unable to give IV,
then give subcutaneously.
No Yes
Does the calf have
suckle reflex? No Is the calf’s temperature <101°F?

Yes Yes No
Bottle feed 2 qt. of high Tube 2 qt. of high Tube 2 qt. of high
quality warm electrolytes quality warm electrolytes quality warm electrolytes
+ + +
NSAID NSAID NSAID
+ + +
Long-acting antibiotic that spares Long-acting antibiotic that spares Long-acting antibiotic that
gut microbiome as much as gut microbiome as much as spares gut microbiome as
possible (unless given already) possible (unless given already) much as possible
+ + (unless given already)
Reevaluate in two hours calf warmer +
+ Reevaluate in two hours
Reevaluate in two hours

What is the calf’s temperature?

<101°F 101°F – 103°F >103°F

Long-acting antibiotic that Reevaluate in six hours Bottle feed 2 qt. of high quality
spares gut microbiome as much warm electrolytes every six hours
as possible (unless given already) +
+ Long-acting antibiotic that
calf warmer spares gut microbiome as much
+ as possible (unless given already)
Reevaluate in two hours
Source: University of Minnesota Extension Joe Armstrong DVM and Eric Mousel PhD;
Veterinary statement: This protocol is not intended to replace the advice of your veterinarian. Please consult your veterinarian about this protocol and
for specific product recommendations. Milk statement: At no time should milk be withheld from calves. Treatments in this protocol are intended to
be in addition to milk feedings not instead of milk feedings. Beef calves should be left on the cow and observed to ensure they are nursing.

14 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 BovineVetOnline.com

DIAGNOSTICS

Good, Bad And Ugly

Properly pack samples so they arrive in testable
condition at the diagnostic lab

BY MALLORY PFEIFER

sample’s journey from the clinic to the Texas A&M Veterinary

A Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) or any diagnostic
laboratory is unpredictable. Once a package enters the mail system, THIS WA
Y UP
FRAGILE

it’s likely to get tossed, turned and bumped until it arrives at the
E
WITH CAR

laboratory. Knowing this, it’s imperative clients take steps to prop- KEEP DR
Y
HANDLE

erly package samples to ensure they arrive safely and in a testable

condition. Here are examples of good, bad and ugly methods of
packaging samples.

THE GOOD THE BAD

EXAMPLE: All packages should be sent with at

least three layers of packaging: EXAMPLE: A small, single tube was shipped in a
large box.
1. Primary: Sample in a bag
Here’s how it should have been shipped:
2. Secondary: Styrofoam shell
Tube in a bag to prevent leakage
3. Tertiary: Cardboard box
Smaller box to reduce wasted space
Paperwork should be bagged separate from sam-
More cushioning and absorbent material
ples and additional material should be added to
cushion and absorb moisture. Paperwork bagged separate from sample

BovineVetOnline.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | 15

DIAGNOSTICS

THE UGLY EXAMPLE: Multiple blood tubes were broken in transit.

Here’s how it should have been shipped:

Tubes in a bag
Cushioning and absorbent material added to box
Paperwork included in box and bagged separate
from samples
It is critical samples are packaged to prevent leakage.
Couriers will hold packages that leak during transit. In
extreme cases with blood leaks, hazmat teams will seize
and dispose of packages. Both instances cause significant
delays in testing due to packages being held at postal
hubs or never arriving at TVMDL due to disposal.

EXAMPLE: Samples were shipped in only a

Styrofoam shell.

Here’s how it should have been shipped:

Styrofoam shell placed in a cardboard box
This double layer of protection ensures samples and
paperwork withstand the inevitably arduous journey to our
labs. A perfectly collected sample can arrive at the lab
untestable if broken or damaged in transit. TVMDL also
recommends using standard Styrofoam shells. “Green”
or environmentally friendly versions of Styrofoam often
deteriorate during transit.

EXAMPLE: Identifying information on a tube is unreadable

due to blood, feces and smudged ink.

Here’s how it should have been shipped:

Outside of tube, clear of blood and feces
Smudge-proof ink used to list the
identification information
Samples that arrive in this condition cause a delay in test-
ing as TVMDL staff have to contact the client to confirm
information critical to testing.

16 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 BovineVetOnline.com

 EXAMPLE: A bulk accession is shipped in multiple bags with no
cushioning or absorbent material.

Here’s how it should have been shipped:

Tubes placed in tube holders in numerical order
Completed TVMDL Specimen Import Spreadsheet
printed, bagged and included in package
Cushioning and absorbent material included in box
TVMDL Specimen Import Spreadsheet sent via email
to either the Canyon or College Station labs at the
following email:
College Station: clientservices@tvmdl.tamu.edu
Canyon: canyonclientservices@tvmdl.tamu.edu

TVMDL strives to provide clients timely and accurate results. However, the testing process relies on a quality sample
with legible, organized information arriving at the lab. The best way to ensure a safe transit is for clients to take steps
to properly package all shipments. If you have any questions regarding sample shipment, reach out to one of TVMDL’s
four laboratories or visit tvmdl.tamu.edu.
LOGISTICS
Ready To Go
Four ways to prepare
ahead for calving season
1. EQUIPMENT
Walk through pens,
chutes and calving
stalls that might be
used. Make sure all are clean,
dry, strong, safe and functioning.
2. PROTOCOL 1.
2.
Develop a plan of what
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
to do, when to do it and 8.
9.
how to know when you
need help. Make sure all helpers
in the process are familiar with
the plan. It might help to write
the plan out and post copies in
convenient places.
3. LUBRICATION
Many lubricants have been
used, and one of the best
is the simplest: non-deter-
gent soap and warm water.
4. SUPPLIES
Keep these items at
the ready: disposable
obstetrical sleeves,
non-irritant antiseptic, lubri-
cant, obstetrical chains (60"
and/or two 30" chains), two
obstetrical handles, mechani-
cal calf pullers and injectable
antibiotics. Get a good flashlight
with extra batteries, old towels
or paper towels. Consider pack-
ing everything in a 5-gal. bucket
as an obstetrical kit, so you can
grab it and go.
—Glenn Selk, OSU emeritus
Extension animal scientist
18 |
50mcgt/mL gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate Injectable Solution
For treatment of cystic ovaries in dairy cattle Prostaglandin Analogue for Cattle
Equivalent to 250 mcg cloprostenol/mL
For use with cloprostenol sodium to synchronize estrous cycles to allow for fixed
time artificial insemination (FTAI) in lactating dairy cows and beef cows. CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed
CAUTION: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. veterinarian.
DESCRIPTION: DESCRIPTION:
CYSTORELIN® (gonadorelin) is a sterile solution containing 43 mcg/mL of gonadorelin (GnRH)
as 50 mcg/mL gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate suitable for intramuscular or intravenous SYNCHSURE ® (cloprostenol sodium) is a synthetic prostaglandin analogue
administration according to the indication. Gonadorelin is a decapeptide composed of the structurally related to prostaglandin F2a (PGF2a). Each mL of the colorless aqueous
sequence of amino acids— solution contains 263 mcg of cloprostenol sodium (equivalent to 250 mcg of
5-oxoPro-His-Trp-Ser-Tyr-Gly-Leu-Arg-Pro-Gly-NH2—
a molecular weight of 1182.32 and empirical formula C 55 H 75 N 17 O 13 . The diacetate
tetrahydrate ester has a molecular weight of 1374.48 and empirical formula C 59 H 91N 17 O 21.
cloprostenol), chlorocresol 1.0 mg as a bactericide, citric acid anhydrous 0.66
mg, sodium citrate 5.03 mg, sodium chloride 6.76 mg. The pH is adjusted, as
necessary, with sodium hydroxide or citric acid.
Each mL of CYSTORELIN contains:
Gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate (equivalent to 43 mcg gonadorelin) ................... 50 mcg
Benzyl Alcohol ........................................................................................................... 9 mg
Sodium Chloride ....................................................................................................7.47 mg
ACTION: SYNCHSURE causes functional and morphoIogical regression of the corpus
luteum (luteolysis) in cattle. In normal, nonpregnant cycling animals, this effect on the
life span of the corpus luteum usually results in estrus 2 to 5 days after treatment.
Water for Injection........................................................................................................ q.s.
pH adjusted with potassium phosphate (monobasic and dibasic). In animals with prolonged luteal function (pyometra, mummified fetus, and luteal
Gonadorelin is the hypothalamic releasing factor responsible for the release of gonadotropins cysts), the induced luteolysis usually results in resolution of the condition and return
(e.g., luteinizing hormone [LH], follicle stimulating hormone [FSH]) from the anterior pituitary. to cyclicity. Pregnant animals may abort depending on the stage of gestation.
Synthetic gonadorelin is physiologically and chemically identical to the endogenous bovine INDICATIONS: For intramuscular use to induce luteolysis in beef and dairy cattle.
hypothalamic releasing factor.
INDICATIONS FOR USE:
Cystic Ovaries
CYSTORELIN is indicated for the treatment of ovarian follicular cysts in dairy cattle. Ovarian
The luteolytic action of SYNCHSURE can be utilized to manipulate the estrous cycle
to better fit certain management practices, to terminate pregnancies resulting from
mismatings, and to treat certain conditions associated with prolonged luteal function.
cysts are non-ovulated follicles with incomplete luteinization which result in nymphomania
or irregular estrus. Historically, cystic ovaries have responded to an exogenous source of LH
RECOMMENDED USES:
Unobserved or Nondetected Estrus: Cows which are not detected in estrus,
such as human chorionic gonadotrophin. CYSTORELIN initiates release of endogenous LH to
although ovarian cyclicity continues, can be treated with SYNCHSURE if a mature
cause ovulation and luteinization.
Reproductive Synchrony
corpus luteum is present. Estrus is expected to occur 2 to 5 days following injection, at
CYSTORELIN is indicated for use with cloprostenol sodium to synchronize estrous cycles which time animals may be inseminated. Treated cattle should be inseminated at the
to allow for fixed time artificial insemination (FTAI) in lactating dairy cows and beef cows. usual time following detection of estrus. If estrus detection is not desirable or possible,
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: treated animals may be inseminated twice at about 72 and 96 hours postinjection.
Cystic Ovaries
The intravenous or intramuscular dosage of CYSTORELIN is 100 mcg gonadorelin diacetate
Pyometra or Chronic Endometritis: Damage to the reproductive tract at calving
or postpartum retention of the placenta often leads to infection and inflammation
tetrahydrate (2 mL) per cow.
Reproductive Synchrony
The intramuscular dosage of CYSTORELIN is 100 mcg gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate (2 mL)
of the uterus (endometritis). Under certain circumstances, this may progress into
chronic endometritis with the uterus becoming distended with purulent matter.
per cow, used in reproductive synchrony programs similar to the following: This condition, commonly referred to as pyometra, is characterized by a lack of
1. Administer the first CYSTORELIN injection (2 mL) at Time 0. cyclical estrus behavior and the presence of a persistent corpus luteum. Induction
2. Administer 500 mcg cloprostenol (as cloprostenol sodium) by intramuscular injection 6 to 8
days after the first CYSTORELIN injection.
3. Administer the second CYSTORELIN injection (2 mL) 30 to 72 hours after the cloprostenol
sodium injection.
of luteolysis with SYNCHSURE usually results in evacuation of the uterus and a
return to normal cyclical activity within 14 days after treatment. After 14 days
posttreatment, recovery rate of treated animals will not be different than that of
untreated cattle.
4. Perform FTAI 0 to 24 hours after the second CYSTORELIN injection, or inseminate cows on
detected estrus using standard herd practices. Mummified fetus: Death of the conceptus during gestation may be followed by
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS: its degeneration and dehydration. Induction of luteolysis with SYNCHSURE usually
Not for use in humans.
Keep out of reach of children. results in expulsion of the mummified fetus from the uterus. (Manual assistance
may be necessary to remove the fetus from the vagina). Normal cyclical activity
WITHDRAWAL PERIODS:
No withdrawal period or milk discard time is required when used usually follows.
according to the labeling. Luteal Cysts: A cow may be noncyclic due to the presence of a luteal cyst (a
To report suspected adverse drug events, for technical assistance or to obtain a copy
of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS), contact Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.
single, anovulatory follicle with a thickened wall which is accompanied by no
external signs and by no changes in palpable consistency of the uterus). Treatment
1-888-637-4251. For additional information about adverse drug experience reporting for
animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS, or www.fda.gov/reportanimalae. with SYNCHSURE can restore normal ovarian activity by causing regression of the
luteal cyst.
PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY:
Endogenous gonadorelin is synthesized and/or released from the hypothalamus during various
stages of the bovine estrus cycle following appropriate neurogenic stimuli. It passes via the
Pregnancies from mismating: Unwanted pregnancies can be safely and
efficiently terminated from 1 week after mating until about 5 months of gestation.
hypophyseal portal vessels, to the anterior pituitary to effect the release of gonadotropins (e.g., LH,
The induced abortion is normally uncomplicated and the fetus and placenta are
FSH). Synthetic gonadorelin administered intravenously or intramuscularly also causes the release
of endogenous LH or FSH from the anterior pituitary. usually expelled about 4 to 5 days after the injection with the reproductive tract
Gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate has been shown to be safe. The LD50 for mice and rats is greater returning to normal soon after the abortion. The ability of SYNCHSURE to induce
than 60 mg/kg, and for dogs, greater than 600 mcg/kg, respectively. No adverse effects were noted
among rats or dogs administered 120 mcg/kg/day or 72 mcg/kg/day intravenously for 15 days.
abortion decreases beyond the fifth month of gestation while the risk of dystocia
and its consequences increases. SYNCHSURE has not been sufficiently tested
It had no adverse effects on heart rate, blood pressure, or EKG to unanesthetized dogs at 60 mcg/ under feedlot conditions; therefore recommendations cannot be made for its use
kg. In anesthetized dogs it did not produce depression of myocardial or system hemodynamics or in heifers placed in feedlots.
adversely affect coronary oxygen supply or myocardial oxygen requirements.
The intravenous administration of 60 mcg/kg/day of gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate to pregnant
rats and rabbits during organogenesis did not cause embryotoxic or teratogenic effects. Further,
CYSTORELIN did not cause irritation at the site of intramuscular administration in dogs with a dose of
Controlled Breeding: The luteolytic action of SYNCHSURE can be utilized
to schedule estrus and ovulation for an individual cycling animal or a group of
animals. This allows control of the time at which cycling cows or heifers can be
72 mcg/kg/day administered for seven (7) days. bred. SYNCHSURE can be incorporated into a controlled breeding program by the
TARGET ANIMAL SAFETY: following methods:
In addition to the animal safety information presented in the PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
section, the safety of CYSTORELIN was established through the review and evaluation of the
1. Single SYNCHSURE Injection
extensive published literature available for the use of gonadorelin-containing products. 2. Double SYNCHSURE Injections.
The intramuscular administration of 1000 mcg gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate on five (5)
consecutive days to normally cycling dairy cattle had no effect on hematology or clinical chemistries.
The use information provided here is not comprehensive. Talk to your veterinarian
and consult the full prescribing information for further details on uses of
In field studies evaluating the effectiveness of CYSTORELIN for the treatment of ovarian follicular
cysts, the incidence of health abnormalities was not significantly greater in cows administered
SYNCHSURE.
SAFETY AND TOXICITY: At 50 and 100 times the recommended dose, mild side
CYSTORELIN than cows administered a placebo injection.
The target animal safety of, and injection site reactions to, gonadorelin when used with effects may be detected in some cattle. These include increased uneasiness, slight
cloprostenol sodium were evaluated during the conduct of effectiveness field studies. The frothing, and milk let-down.
incidence of health abnormalities was not significantly greater in cows administered gonadorelin
than cows administered a placebo injection.
EFFECTIVENESS:
The use of CYSTORELIN for treatment of ovarian follicular cysts in dairy cattle was
CONTRAINDICATIONS: SYNCHSURE should not be administered to a pregnant
animal whose calf is not to be aborted.
WARNINGS: For animal use only. Women of childbearing age, asthmatics, and
demonstrated to be effective with a treatment dose of 100 mcg gonadorelin diacetate persons with bronchial and other respiratory problems should exercise extreme
tetrahydrate. The effectiveness of gonadorelin for use with cloprostenol sodium to synchronize caution when handling this product. In the early stages, women may be unaware
estrous cycles to allow for FTAI in lactating dairy cows was demonstrated in a field study at 10
different locations in the U.S. Four of the locations represented conditions that would typically
of their pregnancies. SYNCHSURE is readily absorbed through the skin and may
cause abortion and/or bronchiospasms; direct contact with the skin should therefore
cause heat stress in lactating cows. A total of 1607 healthy, non-pregnant, primiparous or
multiparous lactating dairy cows within 40-150 days postpartum were enrolled in the study. A
total of 805 cows were administered gonadorelin (1 mL; 100 mcg gonadorelin as the acetate
be avoided. Accidental spillage on the skin should be washed off immediately with
soap and water.
salt) and 802 cows were administered an equivalent volume of water for injection as an PRECAUTIONS: There is no effect on fertility following the single or double
intramuscular injection twice in the following regimen:
Day 0: 100mcg gonadorelin (as the acetate salt) or sterile water for injection dosage regimen when breeding occurs at induced estrus or at 72 and 96 hours
Day 7: 500 mcg cloprostenol (as cloprostenol sodium) posttreatment. Conception rates may be lower than expected in those fixed time
Day 9: 100mcg gonadorelin (as the acetate salt) or sterile water for injection
Fixed time AI was performed on Day 10, approximately 11 - 31 hours after the Day 9 injection. Cows
breeding programs which omit the second insemination (i.e. the insemination at or
near 96 hours). This is especially true if a fixed time insemination is used following
were evaluated for pregnancy on Day 45 ± 5 days by trans-rectal ultrasound or rectal palpation.
Pregnancy rate to FTAI was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in cows treated with gonadorelin
a single SYNCHSURE injection.
As with all parenteral products, careful aseptic techniques should be employed to
(33.4%) than the pregnancy rate to FTAI in cows treated with water (13.6%). The environmental
condition (heat stress or not heat stress) did not affect the conclusion of effectiveness. The
effectiveness of gonadorelin for use with cloprostenol sodium to synchronize estrous cycles to
decrease the possibility of postinjection bacterial infection. Antibiotic therapy should
be employed at the first sign of infection.
allow for FTAI in beef cows was demonstrated in a field study at 10 different locations in the U.S.
A total of 706 healthy, non-pregnant, primiparous or multiparous beef cows within 40-150 days
postpartum were enrolled in the study. A total of 364 cows were administered gonadorelin (1 mL;
The Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) contains more detailed occupational safety
information. To obtain an MSDS or for technical assistance, contact Boehringer
100 mcg gonadorelin as the acetate salt) and 342 cows were administered an equivalent volume of Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. at 1-888-637-4251. To report suspected
water for injection as an intramuscular injection twice in the following regimen:
Day 0: 100mcg gonadorelin (as the acetate salt) or sterile water for injection
adverse drug experiences, contact Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.
Day 7: 500 mcg cloprostenol (as cloprostenol sodium) at 1-888-637-4251. For additional information about adverse drug experience
Day 9: 100mcg gonadorelin (as the acetate salt) or sterile water for injection
Fixed time AI was performed immediately after the Day 9 injection. Cows were evaluated
reporting for animal drugs, contact FDA at 1-888-FDA-VETS, or http://www.fda.
gov.reportanimalae.
for pregnancy on Day 55 ± 5 days by trans-rectal ultrasound. Pregnancy rate to FTAI
was significantly higher (P = 0.0006) in cows treated with gonadorelin (21.7%) than the
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Two mL of SYNCHSURE (500 mcg of
cloprostenol) should be administered by INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION for all
pregnancy rate to FTAI in cows treated with water (7.4%).
indications in both beef and dairy cattle. Discard remaining product 180 days
The effectiveness of a 2-mL dose of CYSTORELIN delivering 100 mcg gonadorelin diacetate
tetrahydrate (86 mcg gonadorelin) for use with cloprostenol sodium to synchronize estrous after first use.
cycles to allow for FTAI in lactating dairy cows and beef cows was also demonstrated through STORAGE CONDITIONS:
references to scientific literature.
HOW SUPPLIED:
1. Protect from light.
2. Store in carton.
CYSTORELIN is available in a concentration of 50 mcg/mL gonadorelin diacetate tetrahydrate
(43 mcg/mL gonadorelin) pH adjusted with potassium phosphate (monobasic and dibasic). 3. Store at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F).
CYSTORELIN is supplied in multi-dose vials containing 10ml, 30ml,50ml, and 100ml of HOW SUPPLIED: 100mL multidose vial
sterile solution.
STORAGE, HANDLING, AND DISPOSAL: Store at or below 77°F (25°C). Brief excursions to
1050-8918-01 Rev. 10-2020
Made in Australia
86°F (30°C) are permitted. Use within 6 months of first puncture.
1050-2907-05 Distributed by:
Rev. 08/2019 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. Duluth, GA 30096
Approved by FDA under NADA#098-379
Made in Australia.
Approved by FDA under ANADA # 200-310
100 mL: 50331b-02
Marketed by:
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.
Duluth, GA 30096 SYNCHSURE ® is a registered trademark of
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.
CYSTORELIN® is a registered trademark of Boehringer
Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. ©2022 Boehringer Ingelheim ©2023 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA
Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All Rights Reserved. Inc., Duluth, GA. All Rights Reserved.
US-BOV-0583-2022 US-BOV-0584-2022-V2
 FIND JOY IN
THE EXPECTED.
Cystorelin® (gonadorelin), when used with
cloprostenol sodium, helps take the guesswork
out of your cows’ reproductive cycles.
Synchsure® (cloprostenol sodium) is a fast-acting
solution, usually inducing estrus for cycling
cattle within 2–5 days of treatment. Celebrate
predictability with fertility products that put
Cattle First from Boehringer Ingelheim.
Start maximizing reproductive efficiency
on your operation at SyncTheHerd.com.

CYSTORELIN IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

Do not use in humans. Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children.
SYNCHSURE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: For animal use only, not for human use. Keep out of reach of
children. Women of childbearing age, asthmatics, and persons with bronchial and other respiratory problems
should exercise extreme caution when handling this product. In the early stages women may be unaware of their
pregnancies. SYNCHSURE is readily absorbed through the skin and may cause abortion and/or bronchospasms:
direct contact with the skin should therefore be avoided. Accidental spillage on the skin should be washed off
immediately with soap and water.

CYSTORELIN® and SYNCHSURE® are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. ©2022 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All Rights Reserved. US-BOV-0399-2022
ANIMAL HEALTH

Welcome to the Feedlot

Consider these best practices for newly arrived feeder calves
he first 14 days upon feedlot arrival are critical in calf development and set the perfor-

Jessica Sperber
T mance trajectory of the calf for the remainder of the feeding period. The main goal at
receiving is to help with any bovine respiratory disease (BRD) concerns and improve upon
Extension assistant the health of the calf.
professor animal
science, Extension
specialist

jsperber2@unl.edu GOALS UPON FEEDLOT ARRIVAL:

(402) 472-3571
GET CATTLE TO CONSUME FEED AND DRINK WATER

FEEDING PRACTICES
Offer calves familiar feedstuffs in the first seven days to “bunk break” cattle.
Long-stem grass hay.
High-quality forages are essential to get adequate energy into the animal
while their intakes are depressed.
Natural protein source that is adequate in rumen undegradable protein
(RUP) content to support calf protein requirements.
The most likely source (and presumably cheapest) is distillers’ grains,
which are approximately 30% protein, with 65% of that protein as
RUP. RUP is required most in rapidly gaining, young animals.

Target 16" to 18" of bunk space per head.

Low intakes on newly received calves are common and generally

improve in the weeks following receiving.
In week one, cattle will generally consume 1% to 1.5% of
body weight (BW)
Stressed calves might consume lower than 1% of BW,
exhibiting signs of anorexia.
Target intake to reach 1.5% of BW by day 14 to reduce
morbidity/mortality.
By week three, calves should be consuming 2% to 2.5% of BW.

A 21- to 28-day transition or “step-up” period is often required to get

cattle to consume greater than 1.5% BW and to transition calves from
a high-forage to a high-grain diet.
A low energy density diet (high-forage diet) improves rumen health
early in the feeding period.

20 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 BovineVetOnline.com PHOTO: WYATT BECHTEL

 sleep in 10 minutes later
sip a cup of hot coffee
SATURDAY tuck into a hot breakfast
MORNING
PRIORITIES: read the latest news from
Bovine Veterinarian

To sign up for the newsletter,

text ‘BOVINE’ to 31313.
Carrier message and data rates may apply.
More than one message may be sent to deliver content.
 KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN ANIMAL HEALTH

Sterile selenium, manganese, copper and zinc

injection for cattle
CAUTION: FEDERAL LAW RESTRICTS THIS DRUG TO USE BY OR ON THE
ORDER OF A LICENSED VETERINARIAN.

ACTIVE SUBSTANCES PER ML:

Zinc .......................................... 60 mg/mL
Manganese ........................... 10 mg/mL
Selenium ................................ 5 mg/mL
Copper .................................... 15 mg/mL

OTHER SUBSTANCES:
Benzyl Alcohol 1% v/v
(as preservative)

DOSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS:
CALV
L
LVES: Up to 1 year .........................1 mL/per 100 lbs. bodyweight
CATTLE
A
ATTLE: From 1-2 years ..................1 mL/per 150 lbs. bodyweight

WATER INTAKE
CATTL
A
ATTLE: Over 2 years .......................1 mL/per 200 lbs. bodyweight

PRECAUTIONS:
Selenium and copper are toxic if administered in excess. Water intake drives feed dry-matter intake.
Always follow recommended label dose. Do not overdose.
It is recommended that accurate body weight is determined prior to
treatment. Target 1" to 2" of water space per head.
Do not use concurrently with other injectable selenium and copper
products.
Do not use concurrently with selenium or copper boluses.
Assuming no heat stress at time of receiving.
Do not use in emaciated cattle with a BCS of 1 in dairy or 1-3 in beef.
Consult your veterinarian. Calves might need to be oriented to where the water tank is located.
CAUTION:
Slight local reaction may occur for about 30 seconds after injection. A slight
For example, allow the water tank to run over for a short period
swelling may be observed at injection site for a few days after
administration. Use standard aseptic procedures during administration of
of time to attract calves to the water source.
injections to reduce the risk of injection site abscesses or lesions.

WITHDRAWAL PERIOD:
Newly received cattle will walk the perimeter of their pen, so a
Meat 14 days. Milk zero withdrawal.
common thought is that cattle will find the water tank if placed
DIRECTIONS:
This product is only for use in cattle. Multimin® 90 is to be given subcutaneously around perimeter.
(under the skin) ONLY
LYY. It is recommended to administer the product in
LY.
accordance with Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) guidelines. Minimum distance
between injection sites for the Multimin 90 product and other injection sites
Consider placing additional water tanks around the perimeter to
should be at least 4 inches. Inject under the loose skin of the middle of the side
of the neck. Max volume per injection site is 7 mL.
encourage drinking if pen waterer is in the center of pen.

Subcutaneous
Ensure water tanks remain free from algal growth and feed residue.
injection in middle Store Between 15°C and 30°C
of side of neck. (59°F and 86°F).

SUPPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
BULLS 3 times per year
BEEF COWS 4 weeks before breeding
4 weeks before calving
INITIAL PROCESSING
DAIRY COWS 4 weeks before calving
4 weeks before insemination
It is recommended to allow cattle 12 to 24 hours after delivery
at dry-off before processing.
CALVES
L
LVES at birth
at 3 months and/or weaning
Some operations have adopted days of interval between deliv-
HEIFERS every 3 months –
especially 4 weeks before breeding ery and processing if the cattle are considered low risk.
(program gives planned dates that can be varied to suit
management programs) Processing can include vaccination, parasite control, identification
DOSAGE TABLE (feedyard tag), implantation, weighing (to determine initial BW)
ANIMAL CALVES
L
LVES CATTLE
A
ATTLE CATTLE
A
ATTLE
WEIGHT UP TO 1 YEAR 1 - 2 YEARS > 2 YEARS and initial sort.
(lbs) 1 mL/100 lb BW 1 mL/150 lb BW 1 mL/200 lb BW
50
100
0.5 mL
1 mL
-
-
-
-
Vaccination protocols are critical and should be discussed with
150 1.5 mL - - your veterinarian.
200 2 mL - -
300 3 mL - -
400 4 mL - - Veterinarians will consider what is appropriate to each opera-
500 5 mL - -
600 6 mL - - tion and will determine whether and when to administer five-
700 7 mL - -
800 - 5.3 mL - way viral, seven-way clostridial and a de-wormer.
900 - 6 mL -
1000
1100
-
-
6.6 mL
-
5 mL Although sorting cattle improves uniformity in the pen, keeping
5.5 mL
1200 - - 6 mL cattle from similar origins together for the first few weeks on feed
1300 - - 6.5 mL
1400 - - 7 mL might reduce disruption of hierarchy in the pen and reduce health
challenges from commingling.
Packaged in 100 mL & 500 mL size NDC No. 49920-006-01
NDC No. 49920-006-05

MANUFACTURED FOR:
MULTIMIN®
NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Fort Collins, CO 80528
PHOTO: WYATT BECHTEL
 ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS ASSESS RISK
Low intakes coupled with feed and water deprivation during It’s important to feed and manage
sale and transport compromise the immune system. cattle according to their risk,
whether they are high, moderate,
Offering an initial receiving ration with higher energy density
or low risk. Factors to consider:
and lower roughage inclusion might improve performance,
but at the expense of increased morbidity rate. Geographical source of
cattle, hours spent on a
Preconditioned calves have improved feedlot performance.
truck for transportation,
Preconditioning refers to cattle that arrive at a feedyard knowledge of cattle history,
having previously been processed/handled including one and preconditioning.
or more of the following:
Not all early-weaned,
Weaned, adapted to eating from a feedbunk, possible
light-weight calves (350 lb.
implantation, have received vaccines.
to 400 lb.) are high risk.
Research shows preconditioned calves have improved Early weaning is likely lower
growth performance compared to non-conditioned calves. stress on receiving than con-
Control for coccidiosis upon arrival is advised, which can include ventional weaning, but many
feeding an ionophore (i.e., Rumensin or Bovatec), decoquinate calves still appear challenged
(Deccox) or in severe cases, treating with amprolium (Corid). at 7 months of age.

YOUR BEST SHOT

AT HERD IMMUNITY
Optimize immunity from
birth to production
Multimin® 90 supports both natural immunity and
vaccine response*, providing better protection in
periods of high stress, such as birth, weaning and
freshening. Healthier cattle, including improved calf,
transition cow, and udder health, allow producers
to reduce treatment costs and antibiotic use. See
corresponding page for prescribing information.

multiminusa.com/dairy

*Data on file.
© 2023 MULTIMIN® USA
 ANIMAL HEALTH
Vaccination Protocols
Researchers evaluate timing strategies in high-risk calves
BY PAIGE CARLSON
W hile vaccination is widely con-
sidered a critical component
of cattle health management, could
the timing of vaccination affect the
efficiency of the product?
A study by the West Texas A&M
University Department of Agri-
cultural Sciences and the USDA
Agriculture Research Service Live-
stock Issues Unit in Lubbock, Texas
shows there might be more effective
vaccination protocols for stressed,
high-risk calves arriving to a back-
grounding or feedlot operation.
Vaccine efficiency might not be fully realized if
cattle are immunosuppressed at the time of use.
24 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
There is limited literature describ-
ing the efficiency and safety of
modified-live virus (MLV) vaccina-
tion in different cattle production
environments, including delayed
administration of MLV vaccines
in stressed, high-risk cattle, says
the study, published online in the
National Library of Medicine.
SOME UNKNOWNS
According to the USDA Center
for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), the
USDA approval process does not
require examining the safety of vac-
cination in highly-stressed, immu-
nosuppressed cattle
Additionally, products
are labeled to “be effec-
tive for the vaccination of
healthy cattle” and not
necessarily proven to
“work” on cattle under
physiologic stress.
At the cow-calf phase,
calves experience acute
stress at birth, brand-
ing and weaning, which
might actually result in the
priming of the immune
system and contribute to an
enhanced vaccine response,
allowing sufficient time
for vaccinates to develop
immunologic protection
before natural challenges
with BRD-causative agents
occur, the report explains.
Similarly, the pre-condi-
tioning phase, when calves
are vaccinated and retained
on the operation after
BovineVetOnline.com
weaning, the report explains how
these calves exhibit less morbidity
and health costs at the feedlot while
typically generating greater net
return to the cow-calf producers as
calf value increases. However, only
39% of all beef operations vaccinate
calves against respiratory disease
before sale, the report states.
When calves reach the stocker
phase, many beef calves are immu-
nologically naïve and stressed.
“Because subsequent disease
challenge in the feedlot phase is
probable, stocker calves should be
administered vaccines with adequate
time for immunization to occur
before feedlot shipment. However,
stocker producers should consider
delaying MLV vaccination for 14 to
30 days after arrival, as improved
health and performance outcomes
have been reported in high-risk
stocker calves using this strategy,”
the report explains.
RESEARCH RESULTS
In a study with 528 high-risk
stocker calves, a delayed (day 14)
MLV administration procedure was
evaluated against the traditional
on-arrival (day zero). Results showed
calves receiving delayed vaccination
had improved performance and
numerically less BRD-associated
morbidity, relapse and mortality. BV
More information from
an additional study and
a summary of the report
READ MORE are available here.
PHOTO: LINDSEY POUND
CALF HEALTH

Novel Technology
Zelnate is back on the market to address BRD

BY RHONDA BROOKS Zelnate, a first-of-its-kind product

approved by USDA, aids in treating

S upply constraints have been a

common issue for veterinarians
the past few years. That’s why
Elanco’s Zelnate DNA Immunostim-
ulant has been unavailable since
mid-2022. Now, Elanco says the
novel technology, used to address
bovine respiratory disease (BRD)
in calves, is back on the market and
readily available, according to
Ronald Tessman, DVM, Ph.D.,
DACVIM, DACVPM, Elanco beef
technical consultant.
BRD due to Mannheimia haemo-
lytica when administered at the
time of, or within 24 hours after, a
perceived stressful event in cattle
4 months old and older.
The product contains a unique
DNA liposome complex that works
by stimulating the innate immune
system in calves.
“We see a consistent decrease in
overall mortality and BRD-specific
mortality in those calves treated
with Zelnate,” Tessman says. “And,
More information on the
research used to develop
Zelnate is available here.
very importantly, we see a decrease
in lung consolidation.”
Tessman says Zelnate is particu-
larly efficacious in high-risk calves
or those that are at a higher risk
for mortality. BV

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Calf Perk® is a quick stimulant that provides an immediate
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ensures rapid absorption, maximizing calf vigor, suckle reflex and
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REPRODUCTION

Dining at Dusk
Nighttime feeding results in more daytime births

BY RHONDA BROOKS

F eeding expectant beef cows at sunset or

later results in more calves being born
in daylight. That’s a benefit anytime of the
year and especially during spring calving
season when conditions are often harsh.
“Calving during daylight means calves
are born during times of warmer tem-
peratures, cows calving are easier to find KONEFALÕS METHOD
and provide assistance to if needed and
accordingly, more calves saved and alive,”
Adele Harty, a former South Dakota State University Extension
reports Mark Johnson, Oklahoma State
cow/calf field specialist, offers some pointers to help make the
University Extension beef cattle breeding
Konefal feeding method more successful:
specialist, in an online bulletin.
The concept of nighttime feeding was
introduced by a Manitoba rancher, Gus Research indicates that for this method to be most effective, it
Konefal, in the 1970s. He found that 80% should be started at least one month prior to calving, but a shorter
of his cows calved between 7 a.m. and duration before the start of calving will still have some effect.
7 p.m. when they were fed later in the day.
Konefal’s method included two feedings Iowa State advises staying as close to the same feeding schedule
per 24-hour period, with the first feeding and feed amount as possible each day. Deviating more than 15
between 11:00 a.m. and noon and a second minutes or providing too much feed will yield less desirable results.
feeding between 9:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.1
Research at Iowa State University found Maintain regular night checks. Konefal calving might simply
similar results, according to Johnson. He mean there will be less work to be done between checks due
reports that in one of the largest trials con- to fewer calves born during the night.
ducted, involving 1,331 cows on 15 Iowa
farms, cows were fed once daily at dusk. It works best in a drylot situation where all feed is provided.
The result: 85% of the calves in those Desired effects in a grazing situation might not be seen unless
herds were born from 6:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. supplemental hay or timing of grazing can be regulated.
Scientists haven’t confirmed why the
nighttime feeding practice works, but one Weather can play a role in effectiveness. Before or during
common theory is that it contributes to a storms, cattle might not come to the bunk to eat and
hormonal effect that puts pressure on the might be more likely to calve at night.
cow’s rumen. BV
Additional research indicates a first-calf heifer that calves
Learn more during the day will tend to calve during the day the
about the Konefal remainder of her productive years.
feeding method.
VIDEO HERE

REFERENCE: 1KONEFAL, G. 1980. DAYTIME CALVING – THE KONEFAL METHOD. NINTH ANNUAL CORNBELT COW-CALF CONFERENCE, OTTUMWA, IOWA.

26 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 BovineVetOnline.com

Learn More

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management head on.
You’ve got a grazing management plan in your
mind. Put it on paper to make it more valuable
and optimize your operation.
• Improve grazing land conditions
• Reduce soil erosion and particulate emissions
• Improve access to water for cattle
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• Increase water infiltration and retention
• Improve nutrient management and
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Enhance your pasture management with free,
customizable tools that will boost your resilience
to today’s changing market.

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ANIMAL HEALTH

Unexpected
Consequences
Drought-stressed pastures can contribute to significant parasite loads

BY RHONDA BROOKS Another compounding factor in times of drought

hile dried-up pastures might contribute little nutri-
W tionally to the cattle grazing them, they can still
shelter large numbers of parasites that can drain pounds
of profitable performance from cows and calves, says
David Shirbroun, DVM and an Iowa-based professional
services veterinarian for Boehringer Ingelheim.
Some parasites routinely put themselves in the best
position in a pasture to be ingested by cattle. Oster-
tagia ostertagi and most other infective worm larvae
tend to reside in the lower few inches of grass. Short,
drought-impacted grasses can give the worms additional
opportunity to be ingested.
“Cattle often pick up more infective larvae in that sce-
nario, as the animals are grazing closer to the ground and
fecal pats where the larvae reside,” Shirbroun says.
to keep top of mind is how cattle tend to congregate
in those areas where any moisture is available to fuel
grass growth.
“If you’ve got a higher concentration of animals in
a small area, you tend to have more animals shedding
eggs there and contributing to a more significant worm
burden,” Shirbroun says. “It’s another reason why we
commonly see higher worm loads in cows and calves that
are coming off drought-impacted pastures.”
A common misconception Shirbroun wants to dispel
is the thought that drought and high temperatures will
automatically eliminate worm populations. That’s not
necessarily the case.
Research indicates the climate at the base of grass
is favorable for larval survival and can harbor large
numbers of parasite larvae. In addition, some larvae will

NUTRITION MATTERS
Along with parasite control and pre-
vention, David Shirbroun, DVM and
professional services veterinarian for
Boehringer Ingelheim, says to evalu-
ate the nutritional quality of pasture,
hay and other feedstuffs this fall.
“With the drought these past
couple of years, I’ve seen some issues
with weak calves being born because
they were deficient in vitamins and
minerals that were lacking in-utero,”
he says. “You don’t necessarily see
the problem during the year the
drought occurs as much as you see
the issue in calves that are born to
vitamin-deficient cows the following
spring or fall. These deficiencies
in-utero (and even during develop-
ment of a nursing calf) can have
significant health consequences.”
Vitamins A and E do not cross the
placenta in high-enough amounts to
meet calf requirements, says Russ
Daly, professor and South Dakota
State University Extension veterinarian
and state public health veterinarian.
Calves must obtain sufficient levels
through colostrum. This means focus
should be on the cow or heifer’s vita-
min status prior to calving.
Daly says to supplement pregnant

28 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 BovineVetOnline.com PHOTO: WYATT BECHTEL

 Waterproof Workwear
for Veterinarians

migrate as much as 15 centimeters down into the soil,

allowing them to survive adverse weather conditions NEW!
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and then return to the surface for ingestion.1
LONG SHOULDER
VET JACKET GUARD
PROTECT POUNDS AND PROFITS
Shirbroun says a strategic parasite control program,
fine-tuned by a herd’s specific needs, can keep calves
and cows healthy and help with conditioning needs
going into the winter months.
A common producer practice is to use a dewormer
according to the average weight of the herd. While
convenient, this can over- or under-dose a signifi-
cant number of cattle and diminish product efficacy. JACKET WITH REGULAR SLEEVE:
SLEEVE PUSHES UP FOR PALPATING
Shirbroun says investing in a scale for the herd is one
www.uddertechinc.com
way producers can be more accurate with dosing and
reducing product waste.
“Try to coach your producers to use products at the Read the Latest News from
optimal time as well for best results,” he encourages. Bovine Veterinarian
“Laying out the economic benefits might be one way to
Text ‘BOVINE’ to 31313,
influence their deworming practices.” BV to sign up for the newsletter.
Carrier message and data rates may apply.

REFERENCES: 1STROMBERG BE, GASBARRE

LC. GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODE CONTROL
PROGRAMS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON CATTLE. VET
CLIN NORTH AM FOOD ANIM PRACT (2006); 22(3)
543-565. 2CORAH L. UNDERSTANDING BASIC
MINERAL AND VITAMIN NUTRITION. THE RANGE
BEEF COW SYMPOSIUM XIV 1995.

cows and heifers with 30,000 to

100,000 IU per head per day of
vitamin A and 50 to 100 IU per
head per day of vitamin E when
green forage is unavailable. Some
studies show benefits for higher
supplementation rates,
while others do not.
Higher rates don’t app-
ear to be risky from a
toxicologic standpoint. LEARN MORE
ANIMAL HEALTH
‘One Black Mark’
Liver abscesses impact beef-on-dairy production
BY MAUREEN HANSON
L iver abscesses continue to be the
one concerning black mark in an
emerging vein of the dairy industry
that otherwise is mostly rosy: beef-
cross calves.
According to the National Asso-
ciation of Animal Breeders (NAAB)
units of beef semen sales increased
by 260% from 2017 to 2021, largely
due to the strategic shift by dairy
producers to capture more value for
their surplus calves. Those beef-
on-dairy-bred calves have been a
welcome addition to U.S. feedlots, as
the U.S. beef cowherd hit historically
low numbers in roughly the same
time frame.
But the challenge of liver
abscesses in finished beef cross
cattle continues to frustrate feeders
and packers. Severe liver abscesses
can negatively affect cattle perfor-
mance in terms of lower bodyweight,
carcass yield, and dressing percent-
age. They also can cause livers to be
30 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
condemned at slaughter and could
result in even more condemned tis-
sue if the infection spreads to other
organs and tissue.
And if a liver abscess ruptures
during slaughter, it necessitates
stopping the production chain at the
packer so equipment can be cleaned
and sanitized. This can dramatically
affect a plant’s daily production
yield. In large plants, industry esti-
mates suggest chain stoppage can
result in productivity losses of up to
$3,000 per minute.
At the 34th Florida Ruminant
Nutrition Symposium, Tiruvoor
Nagaraja, professor of microbiology
at Kansas State University, pre-
sented a review of liver abscesses
in beef-on-dairy animals, and the
industry’s knowledge of the issue.
Nagaraja says that although no
scientific studies have yet been per-
formed to validate the higher levels
of liver abscesses in fed cattle with
dairy genetics, “there is consensus
that the incidence in beef-on-dairy
BovineVetOnline.com
cattle is two to three times greater
than crossbred beef cattle.”
DETECTION IS INCONSISTENT
Liver abscess can range from
one to hundreds in a single animal,
and vary in size from a pinpoint to
more than 15 cm in diameter. So
far, no reliable diagnostic tools have
been developed to detect them, as
both blood tests and ultrasound
have failed to reliable identify liver
abscesses prior to slaughter.
Nagaraja explains that liver
abscess formation is likely the result
of “good” bacteria that helps digest
feedstuffs in the rumen escaping to
the bloodstream and setting up shop
in the liver where they create infec-
tion sites that progress to abscesses.
The overgrowth of the bacte-
ria, the two most common being
Fusobacterium necrophorum and
Trueperella pyogenes, is thought
to be caused by a highly acetic
environment (acidosis) that causes
lesions to form on the rumen wall
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: LINDSEY POUND/WYATT BECHTEL
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ANIMAL HEALTH
A high incidence of liver abscesses continues to plague an ever-growing
segment of the fed cattle industry: beef-on-dairy crossbred animals.
(rumenitis). The bacteria then travel
via the bloodstream from the gut to
the liver, creating the acidosis-
rumenitis-liver abscess complex.
FACTORS UNDER EVALUATION
Why dairy beef and dairy cross
animals seem to be more susceptible
to liver abscesses is not completely
understood, but Nagaraja says
their increased incidence is asso-
ciated with the following dietary
feeding programs:
Inadequate roughage in the diet.
Diets containing rapidly
fermentable grains, such as
wheat and barley, or processed
grains like steam-flaked or
high-moisture corn.
Long feeding duration at the
feedlot stage.
Dietary adjustments to address
these contributors could help
Tiruvoor Nagaraja addressed the issue of liver
abscesses during the 34th Florida Ruminant
Nutrition Symposium. Learn more here.
32 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
PHOTO: MAUREEN HANSON
to lessen the incidence of liver
abscesses. Further, Nagaraja says
the antibiotic tylosin, fed with veter-
inary oversight, is the most effective
antibiotic to control liver abscesses.
However, concern over the devel-
opment of antimicrobial resistance,
and the desire to reduce antibiotic
use in food-animal production, are
fueling research in alternative inter-
ventions to control liver abscesses.
To date, two vaccines have been
developed for that purpose, with one
subsequently being withdrawn from
the market.
Feeding probiotics and essential
oils as feed additives is also being
explored. The essential oils limo-
nene and thymol have been shown
to successfully inhibit growth of
Fusobacterium necrophorum. More
research continues to potentially
solve this compelling issue for both
the beef and dairy industries. BV
BovineVetOnline.com
Approved by FDA under NADA # 055-058
Dry-Clox®
(cloxacillin benzathine)
Intramammary Infusion
FOR USE IN DRY COW ONLY
Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a
licensed veterinarian.
Description: DRY-CLOX (cloxacillin benzathine) is a product which
provides bactericidal activity against gram-positive bacteria in the
dry cow. The active agent, cloxacillin benzathine, is a sparingly
soluble salt of the semisynthetic penicillin, cloxacillin. Cloxacillin is
a derivative of 6-aminopenicillanic acid, and therefore is chemically
related to other penicillins. It has, however, the antibacterial properties
described below, which distinguish it from certain other penicillins.
Each 10 mL disposable syringe contains cloxacillin benzathine
equivalent to 500 mg of cloxacillin activity in a stable peanut oil gel.
This product was manufactured by a non-sterilizing process.
Storage: Do not store above 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze.
Action: In the non-lactating mammary gland, DRY-CLOX provides
bactericidal levels of the active antibiotic, cloxacillin, for a prolonged
period of time. This prolonged activity is due to the low solubility of
the cloxacillin benzathine and to the slow-release oil-gel base. This
prolonged contact between the antibiotic and the pathogenic
organism enhances the probability of a bacteriological cure.
Cloxacillin is not destroyed by the enzyme, penicillinase, and therefore,
is active against penicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus.
It is also active against non-penicillinase-producing Staphylococcus
aureus as well as Streptococcus agalactiae.
The class disc, Methicillin 5 mcg, should be used to estimate the
in vitro susceptibility of bacteria to cloxacillin.
Indications: For the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows during the
dry period.
DRY-CLOX has been shown by extensive clinical studies to be
efficacious in the treatment of mastitis in dry cows, when caused by
Streptococcusagalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus including
penicillin-resistant strains.
Treatment of the dry cow with DRY-CLOX is indicated in any cow
known to harbor any of these organisms in the udder at drying off,
or which has had repeated attacks of mastitis during the previous
lactation, or is affected with mastitis at drying off, if caused by
susceptible organisms.
Dosage for Dry Cows: Infuse the contents of one syringe (10 mL)
into each quarter following the last milking. See Directions for Use.
Directions for Use: DRY-CLOX is for use in dry cows only. Administer
immediately after the last milking. Use no later than 30 days prior to calving.
Completely milk out all four quarters. The udder and teats should be
thoroughly washed with warm water containing a suitable dairy
antiseptic and dried, preferably using individual paper towels.
Carefully scrub the teat end and orifice with 70% alcohol, using a
separate swab for each teat. Allow to dry.
DRY-CLOX is packaged with the Opti-Sert® Protective Cap.
For partial insertion: Twist off upper portion of the Opti-Sert®
Protective Cap to expose 3–4 mm of the syringe tip.
For full insertion: Remove protective cap to expose the full length of
the syringe tip.
Insert syringe tip into the teat canal and expel the entire contents of
syringe into the quarter. Withdraw the syringe and gently massage
the quarter to distribute the medication.
Do not infuse contents of the mastitis syringe into the teat canal if
the Opti-Sert® Protective Cap is broken or damaged.
Precautions: Because it is a derivative of 6-aminopenicillanic acid,
DRY-CLOX has the potential for producing allergic reactions. Such
reactions are rare; however, should they occur, the subject should be
treated with antihistamines or pressor amines, such as epinephrine.
Residue Warnings:
1. For use in dry cows only.
2. Not to be used within 30 days of calving.
3. Any animal infused with this product must not be
slaughtered for food until 30 days after the latest infusion.
How Supplied: DRY-CLOX (cloxacillin benzathine) is supplied as 10 mL
syringes containing 500 mg of cloxacillin activity per syringe. One display
carton contains 12 syringes. One pail contains 144 syringes.
NDC 0010-4720-02 - 12 syringes; NDC 0010-4720-03 - 144 syringes
Opti-Sert is a registered trademark of Zoetis W LLC - used under license.
DRY-CLOX® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal
Health USA Inc.
©2020 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA., Duluth, GA.
All Rights Reserved. US-BOV-0566-2021
Made in Italy
Marketed by:
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.
Duluth, GA 30096
51744632 472001-04

Approved by FDA under NADA # 055-054
PolyMast®
(hetacillin potassium)
Intramammary Infusion
For lactating cows only
Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the
order of a licensed veterinarian.
Description: POLYMAST (hetacillin potassium) is a broad-
spectrum agent which provides bactericidal activity against
a wide range of common gram-positive and gram-negative
bacteria. It is derived from 6-aminopenicillanic acid and is
chemically related to ampicillin.
Each 10 mL disposable sterile syringe contains hetacillin
potassium equivalent to 62.5 mg ampicillin activity in a
stable peanut oil gel.
Action: Hetacillin provides bactericidal levels of the active
antibiotic, ampicillin. In vitro studies have demonstrated
susceptibility of the following organisms to ampicillin:
Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae,
Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Indications: For the treatment of acute, chronic or
subclinical bovine mastitis. POLYMAST should be used at
the first signs of inflammation or at the first indication of any
alteration in the milk. Subclinical infections should be treated
immediately upon determining, by C.M.T. or other tests,
that the leukocyte count is elevated, or that a susceptible
pathogen has been cultured from the milk.
POLYMAST has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment
of mastitis in lactating cows caused by susceptible strains
of Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae,
Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Polycillin® (ampicillin) Susceptibility Test Discs, 10 mcg,
should be used to estimate the in vitro susceptibility of
bacteria to hetacillin.
Dosage and Administration: Infuse the entire contents of one
syringe (10 mL) into each infected quarter. Repeat at 24-hour
intervals until a maximum of three treatments has been given.
If definite improvement is not noted within 48 hours after
treatment, the causal organism should be further investigated.
Wash the udder and teats thoroughly with warm water containing
a suitable dairy antiseptic and dry, preferably using individual
paper towels. Carefully scrub the teat end and orifice with
70% alcohol, using a separate swab for each teat. Allow to dry.
POLYMAST is packaged with the Opti-Sert® Protective Cap.
For partial insertion: Twist off upper portion of the Opti-Sert®
Protective Cap to expose 3–4 mm of the syringe tip.
For full insertion: Remove protective cap to expose the full
length of the syringe tip.
Insert syringe tip into the teat canal and expel the entire contents
of one syringe into each infected quarter. Withdraw the syringe
and gently massage the quarter to distribute the medication.
Do not infuse contents of the mastitis syringe into the teat canal
if the Opti-Sert® Protective Cap is broken or damaged.
Residue Warnings: Milk that has been taken from animals
during treatment and for 72 hours (6 milkings) after the
latest treatment must not be used for food.
Treated animals must not be slaughtered for food until
10 days after the latest treatment.
Precautions: Because it is a derivative of 6-aminopenicillanic
acid, POLYMAST has the potential for producing allergic
reactions. Such reactions are rare; however, should they
occur, treatment should be discontinued and the subject
treated with antihistamines, pressor amines, such as
epinephrine or corticosteroids.
The drug does not resist destruction by penicillinase and,
hence, is not effective against strains of staphylococcus
resistant to penicillin G.
Storage: Do not store above 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze.
How Supplied: POLYMAST is supplied as 10 mL syringes
containing 62.5 mg ampicillin activity per syringe. One
display carton contains 12 syringes. One pail contains
144 syringes.
NDC 0010-4722-01 - 10 mL syringe; NDC 0010-4722-02 -
12 syringes; NDC 0010-4722-03 - 144 syringes.
OPTI-SERT is a registered trademark of Zoetis W LLC - used
under license.
Made in Italy 472201-02 51747319
Marketed by: Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.
Duluth, GA 30096
POLYMAST® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim
Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owner. ©2022 Boehringer
Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.,
Duluth, GA. All Rights Reserved.
US-BOV-0084-2022B
Approved by FDA under NADA #097-222
cephapirin sodium
FOR INTRAMAMMARY INFUSION
Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed
veterinarian.
DESCRIPTION:
ToDAY (cephapirin sodium) is a cephalosporin which possesses
a wide range of antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and
gram-negative organisms. It is derived biosynthetically from
7-aminocephalosporanic acid.
Each 10 mL disposable syringe contains 200 mg of cephapirin
activity in a stable peanut oil gel. This product was manufactured
by a non-sterilizing process.
Store at or below 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze. Avoid excessive heat.
ACTION
Cephapirin is bactericidal to susceptible organisms; it is
known to be highly active against Streptococcus agalactiae and
Staphylococcus aureus including strains resistant to penicillin.
To determine the susceptibility of bacteria to cephapirin in the
laboratory, the class disc, Cephalothin Susceptibility Test Discs,
30 mcg, should be used.
INDICATIONS
FOR LACTATING COWS ONLY / For the Treatment of Bovine Mastitis
ToDAY (cephapirin sodium) for Intramammary Infusion should be
used at the first signs of inflammation or at the first indication
of any alteration in the milk. Treatment is indicated immediately
upon determining, by C.M.T. or other tests, that the leukocyte
count is elevated, or that a susceptible pathogen has been
cultured from the milk.
ToDAY for Intramammary Infusion has been shown to be
efficacious in the treatment of mastitis in lactating cows
caused by susceptible strains of Streptococcus agalactiae and
Staphylococcus aureus including strains resistant to penicillin.
DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Infuse the entire contents of one syringe (10 mL) into each infected
quarter immediately after the quarter has been completely milked
out. Repeat once only in 12 hours. If definite improvement is not
noted within 48 hours after treatment, the causal organism should
be further investigated. Consult your veterinarian.
Milk out udder completely. Wash the udder and teats thoroughly
with warm water containing a suitable dairy antiseptic and dry,
preferably using individual paper towels. Carefully scrub the
teat end and orifice with 70% alcohol, using a separate swab for
each teat. Allow to dry.
ToDAY (cephapirin sodium) is packaged with the Opti-Sert®
Protective Cap.
For partial insertion: Twist off upper portion of the Opti-Sert
Protective Cap to expose 3–4 mm of the syringe tip.
For full insertion: Remove protective cap to expose the full
length of the syringe tip.
Insert syringe tip into the teat canal and expel the entire contents
of one syringe into each infected quarter. Withdraw the syringe
and gently massage the quarter to distribute the suspension into
the milk cistern. Do not milk out for 12 hours.
Do not infuse contents of the mastitis syringe into the teat canal
if the Opti-Sert Protective Cap is broken or damaged.
Reinfection – The use of antibiotics, however effective, for the
treatment of mastitis will not significantly reduce the incidence
of this disease in the herd unless their use is fortified by
good herd management, and sanitary and mechanical safety
measures are practiced to prevent reinfection.
PRECAUTIONS
ToDAY should be administered with caution to subjects which
have demonstrated some form of allergy, particularly to
penicillin. Such reactions are rare; however, should they occur,
consult your veterinarian.
RESIDUE WARNINGS
1. Milk that has been taken from animals during treatment
and for 96 hours after the last treatment must not be
used for food.
2. Treated animals must not be slaughtered for food until
4 days after the last treatment.
3. Administration of more than the prescribed dose may
lead to residue of antibiotic in milk longer than 96 hours.
HOW SUPPLIED
ToDAY (cephapirin sodium) for Intramammary Infusion.
Cephapirin sodium equivalent to 200 mg of cephapirin activity
per syringe.
Each pail contains 144 x 10 mL syringes and 144 convenient
single use alcohol pads. NDC 0010-4754-02.
ToDAY is also supplied in cartons containing 12 x 10 mL syringes
with 12 convenient single use alcohol pads. NDC 0010-4754-01.
Not for Human Use.
Origin China
Marketed by:
Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. Duluth, GA 30096
471701-03 Revised 07/2022
51750384
ToDAY® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim
Animal Health USA Inc. All other trademarks are property of their
respective owner. ©2023 Boehringer
Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.,
Duluth, GA. All Rights Reserved.
US-BOV-0103-2023-B
Approved by FDA under NADA #108-114
cephapirin benzathine
FOR INTRAMAMMARY INFUSION INTO THE DRY COW
Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order
of a licensed veterinarian.
DESCRIPTION
ToMORROW (cephapirin benzathine) for INTRAMAMMARY
INFUSION into the DRY COW is a product which provides a
wide range of bactericidal activity against gram-positive and
gram-negative organisms. It is derived biosynthetically from
7-aminocephalosporanic acid.
Each 10 mL disposable syringe contains 300 mg of cephapirin
activity in a stable peanut oil gel. This product was manufactured
by a non-sterilizing process.
Store at or below 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze. Avoid excessive
heat. Storage: Store at or below 25°C (77°F). Do not freeze.
Avoid excessive heat.
ACTION
In the non-lactating mammary gland, ToMORROW (cephapirin
benzathine) provides bactericidal levels of the active antibiotic,
cephapirin, for a prolonged period of time. This prolonged activity
is due to the low solubility of the cephapirin benzathine and to
the slow release gel base.
Cephapirin is bactericidal to susceptible organisms; it is
known to be highly active against Streptococcus agalactiae and
Staphylococcus aureus including strains resistant to penicillin.
To determine the susceptibility of bacteria to cephapirin in the
laboratory, the class disc, Cephalothin Susceptibility Test Discs,
30 mcg, should be used.
INDICATIONS
For the treatment of mastitis in dairy cows during the dry period.
ToMORROW has been shown by extensive clinical studies to
be efficacious in the treatment of mastitis in dry cows, when
caused by Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus aureus
including penicillin-resistant strains.
Treatment of the dry cow with ToMORROW is indicated in any cow
known to harbor any of these organisms in the udder at drying off.
DOSAGE AND DIRECTIONS FOR USE
ToMORROW (cephapirin benzathine) is for use in dry cows only.
Infuse each quarter at the time of drying off with a single 10 mL
syringe. Use no later than 30 days prior to calving.
Completely milk out all four quarters. The udder and teats should
be thoroughly washed with warm water containing a suitable
dairy antiseptic and dried, preferably using individual paper
towels. Carefully scrub the teat end and orifice with 70% alcohol,
using a separate swab for each teat. Allow to dry.
ToMORROW is packaged with the Opti-Sert® Protective Cap.
For partial insertion: Twist off upper portion of the Opti-Sert
Protective Cap to expose 3–4 mm of the syringe tip.
For full insertion: Remove protective cap to expose the full length
of the syringe tip.
Insert syringe tip into the teat canal and expel the entire contents
of syringe into the quarter. Withdraw the syringe and gently
massage the quarter to distribute the medication.
Do not infuse contents of the mastitis syringe into the teat canal if
the Opti-Sert Protective Cap is broken or damaged.
PRECAUTIONS
ToMORROW should be administered with caution to subjects
which have demonstrated some form of allergy, particularly to
penicillin. Such reactions are rare; however, should they occur,
consult your veterinarian.
RESIDUE WARNINGS
1. For use in dry cows only.
2. Not to be used within 30 days of calving.
3. Milk from treated cows must not be used for food
during the first 72 hours after calving.
4. Any animal infused with this product must not be
slaughtered for food until 42 days after the latest infusion.
HOW SUPPLIED
ToMORROW (cephapirin benzathine) for Intramammary Infusion
into the Dry Cow. Cephapirin benzathine equivalent to 300 mg
cephapirin activity per syringe.
Each pail contains 144 x 10 mL syringes and 144 convenient
single use alcohol pads. NDC 0010-4755-02.
ToMORROW is also supplied in cartons containing 12 x 10
mL syringes with 12 convenient single use alcohol pads. NDC
0010-4755-01.
Not for Human Use.
Origin China
Marketed by:
Boehringer Ingelheim
Animal Health USA Inc.
Duluth, GA 30096
471801-02 Revised 07/2022
51747332
ToMORROW® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim
Animal Health USA Inc. All other trademarks are property of their
respective owner. ©2023 Boehringer
Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc.,
Duluth, GA. All Rights Reserved.
US-BOV-0104-2023-B
ANIMAL HEALTH

Respiratory Support
Dairy calves ready for transport can benefit from an immune stimulant

BY RHONDA BROOKS administering an IS around the time rearing period when compared to
of transportation on health scores, calves that did not receive the IS.”

L ivestock producers interested in

transporting young dairy calves
might find an immune stimulant
(IS) helpful in reducing the need to
treat for respiratory diseases during
the first 30 days of life.
That was the key takeaway of a
recent study conducted by research-
ers at the University of Minnesota
College of Veterinary Medicine. The
study was led by assistant professor
Luciano Caixeta, and published by
Frontiers In Veterinary Science.
“The statistically significant effect
we saw was a decrease in respiratory
diseases at around 21 days of age,”
Caixeta says.
The study looked at the effects of
An immune stimulant is effective in young calves for 10 to 14 days follow-
ing application, according to researchers at the University of Minnesota.
disease treatment and mortality of
Jersey and Jersey-cross calves.
The study enrolled newborn calves
transported within the first week
of life. The calves were randomly
assigned to one of three groups: a
control group that received a saline
inoculation, a group that received
the IS injection before transport,
and a group that received the injec-
tion after transport.
DECREASED MORTALITY
Along with reducing the need
to treat respiratory disease
post-transport, researchers found
that the IS “led to a marginal
decrease in mortality during the
Caixeta says that while an IS
stimulates the calf’s immune system,
it doesn’t remain stimulated for a
long period of time.
“I wouldn’t expect an IS to be
effective for more than 10 days to
two weeks following application, so
it’s a very narrow window of oppor-
tunity for producers to derive the
benefit,” he explains.
In addition, Caixeta says to
achieve this benefit he would
encourage producers to focus on
using an IS with young calves, from
newborn to a couple weeks of age.
“Our study was carried out in new-
born calves, and we have no data to
confirm the same benefits in older
calves,” he says.
Caixeta says researchers evaluated
the calves during a 60-day period
only, limiting their ability to deter-
mine any return-on-investment.
“It is likely that if you look out
at one year or the first lactation of
those animals, there might be a
financial benefit to using the IS in
this manner,” he says.
The project was funded by the
American Jersey Cattle Association
Foundation and NovaVive, Inc. BV

The study abstract, Effects of the Adminis-

tration of a Non-specific Immune Stimulant
Around Transportation on Health
and Performance of Jersey and
Jersey-Cross Heifer Calves During
the Rearing Period: Randomized
Clinical Trial, is available to review. READ MORE

34 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 BovineVetOnline.com PHOTO: LINDSEY POUND

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DRY-CLOX RESIDUE WARNINGS: For use in dry cows only. Not to be used within 30 days of
calving. Any animal infused with this product must not be slaughtered for food until 30 days
after the latest infusion.
LOCKOUT WITHDRAWAL INFORMATION: LOCKOUT requires no milk or pre-slaughter
withdrawal when used alone. If dry cow treatment is used in conjunction with LOCKOUT,
follow recommended antibiotic withdrawal times per the label.
POLYMAST RESIDUE WARNING: Milk that has been taken from animals during treatment
and for 72 hours (6 milkings) after the latest treatment must not be used for food. Treated
animals must not be slaughtered for food until 10 days after the last treatment.
ToDAY RESIDUE WARNING: Milk that has been taken from animals during treatment and
for 96 hours after the last treatment must not be used for food. Treated animals must not be
slaughtered for food until four days after the last treatment. Administration of more than the
prescribed dose may lead to residue of antibiotic in milk longer than 96 hours.
ToMORROW RESIDUE WARNINGS: For use in dry cows only. Not to be used within 30 days
of calving. Milk from treated cows must not be used for food during the first 72 hours after
calving. Any animal infused with this product must not be slaughtered for food until 42 days
after the latest infusion.

DRY-CLOX®, J-VAC®, LOCKOUT ®, ToDAY ® and ToMORROW ® are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc. POLYMAST ® is a registered trademark of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmBH, used under license.
©2021 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All Rights Reserved. US-BOV-0004-2021