Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science Supplement
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: April 6, 2012
Publication Date: July 15, 2012
Citation: Sharon, K.P., Duff, G.C., Paterson, J.A., Dailey, J.W., Carroll, J.A. 2012. Effects of timing of vaccination (day 0 versus day 14 of a receiving period) with a modified-live respiratory viral vaccine on performance, feed intake, and febrile response of beef heifers. Proceedings of the 2012 Joint Annual Meeting of ADSA-AMPA-ASAS-CSAS, WSASAS, July 15-19, 2012, Phoenix, AZ. 63:30-34. Interpretive Summary: A collaborative study was conducted involving scientists from the Livestock Issues Research Unit and Montana State University to assess the effects of administering a modified-live respiratory viral vaccine on either day 0 or day 14 of the receiving period for beef cattle. Data from this study demonstrates that regardless of the time of vaccination, the vaccine elicited a decrease in feed intake, and an increase in body temperature. However, the data indicated that delaying the vaccination for 14 days after cattle were received at the feedlot altered the feeding behavior for approximately 3 days, whereas administering the vaccine at the time of arrival at the feedlot only altered feed intake for 1 day. Feedlot managers can use these data in conjunction with other management practicies when determining vaccination protocols for incoming cattle. This information will be of interest to both scientists and producers working in the field of beef cattle production with a specific focus on vaccination protocols, stress responses, and immune responsiveness.
Technical Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of timing of the administration of a modified-live respiratory viral vaccine on day 0 or on day 14 of a receiving period on performance, feed intake, and febrile response in beef heifers. Our hypothesis was vaccine timing will alter febrile response and feed intake of feeder cattle. Thirty-six heifers (Angus and Angus crosses; initial body weight = 265 ± 20 kg) were ranked by body weight and assigned to treatment pens (9 pens total) in a completely randomized design. Treatments (3 pens/treatment with 4 heifers/pen) included no vaccine (Control), vaccination on day 0 (DO), and a delayed vaccination on day 14 (D14) of the receiving period. Heifers were fed in 6 x 12 meter pens with GrowSafe feeding systems. Daily intakes were recorded and body weight measured on days -1, 0, 14, 27, and 28. Temperature probes were attached to controlled intrauterine drug release devices (active compound was removed) and vaginal temperatures were recorded every 5 minutes for the experiment; vaginal temperatures were then averaged for every hour before data analysis. All data were analyzed using pen as the experimental unit. No differences (P > 0.10) among treatments were observed for initial body weight, final body weight, average daily gain for day 0 to end, or overall gain to feed. A treatment x day interaction (P < 0.05) was observed for feed intake. Daily intake was decreased for the D14 group versus the D0 group on day 14 (P < 0.01) and 15 (P < 0.10) and decreased (P < 0.05) on day 15 for the average of vaccinated calves versus Control. Eating rate (grams consumed/eating duration) was decreased (P < 0.05) on day 14 for the D14 group versus the D0 group. A treatment x day interaction (P < 0.01) was observed for vaginal temperature. Vaginal temperature was increased (P < 0.10) on day 1 for the D0 group versus the D14 group heifers and increased for the D14 group versus the D0 group on day 14 (P < 0.01), 15 (P < 0.05), and 16 (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that time of administration of a modified-live respiratory viral vaccine can alter feed intake and vaginal temperature in feeder heifers.