Biosecurity Considerations When Transitioning Newly Purchased Cattle into the Herd

Apr 05, 2021

By Steve Boyles

New animals should quarantined

New animals should be quarantined for at least 30 days and batter yet 60 days before being introduced into the herd.

The objective is to avoid new diseases introduced through replacement stock and airborne diseases. Typically, new animals are quarantined for at least 30 days and more typically for 60 days before being introduced into the herd. If on-site, the isolation area should be of some distance and downwind from other animals. Practicing all-in, all-out procedures will make it easier to clean and reduce opportunities by personnel to introduce contaminants to the main herd. Minimize cross-contamination of feeding/watering equipment. Here are some suggested procedures:

Have a set vaccination program as part of the acclimation of new animals.
Have a written strategic vaccination plan.
Know when and how to use the vaccines listed in the vaccination plan.
Discuss the vaccination history of all cattle purchased before cattle arrive.
All incoming animals are unloaded and visually inspected during daylight hours, when possible. Isolation is maintained until inspection is completed. If cattle are unloaded at night they are maintained in the receiving area and inspected the following morning.
Producers should develop a set procedure that all visitors must follow. Expect visitors come to the house or farm office first and have clean boots and clothing. Keep a record of visitors to the farm, including dates, contact names and phone numbers, and the nature of the visitors’ business.
Lock all exterior gates.
Trucks and trailers should be free of manure.
During the quarantine period, the newly arrived stock are handled last to avoid spread of disease.

Beef Checkoff-funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program developed a Daily Biosecurity Plan for Disease Prevention template. The template, which helps cattle producers implement daily biosecurity measures on their operations, is available digitally as a PDF or can be printed for handwritten plans from this site: https://www.bqa.org/resources/templates-assessments

Source : osu.edu

Video: Research in Action | Swine Cluster 4 - Activity 8: Precision Feeding with Dr. Aline Remus

Research in Action is a video series from Swine Innovation Porc that highlights the people and projects driving innovation in Canada's pork sector.

In this episode, Dr. Aline Remus (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) explains how precision feeding is helping producers improve efficiency, reduce feed costs and lower environmental impacts while supporting animal health and welfare.

As part of Swine Cluster 4 - Activity 8, this research is advancing precision livestock farming by tailoring nutrition to the needs of individual pigs or groups of pigs. The project aims to reduce feed costs, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses, and develop practical precision feeding systems that producers can confidently adopt on-farm.

By bringing together researchers from across Canada and around the world, this work is helping transform innovative research into practical solutions for a more sustainable and competitive Canadian pork sector.