• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

To Honor and Protect the Ranching Way of Life

  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Why Join
    • Leadership
    • Staff
    • TSCRA Partners
    • FAQs
    • Newsroom
    • Sponsorships
    • Employment
  • What We Do
    • Theft and Law
    • Issues and Policy
    • Education
    • Young Cattle Raisers
    • The Cattleman Magazine
    • Disaster Relief Fund
    • Cattle Raisers Insurance
    • Cattle Raisers Trading Co
    • Students and Youth
  • Events
    • Cattle Raisers Convention
    • Summer Meeting
    • Policy Conference
    • Ranch Gatherings
    • Ranching 101
  • Join
  • Member Center
  • TSCRA Store
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Cow-calf Corner: Vaccine handling and storage

Bob LeValley, Oklahoma Beef Quality Assurance Coordinator

The highest quality vaccine that producers purchase may be of little value if not handled and stored properly.  Even experienced producers may overlook key principles when preparing and administering vaccines and other animal health products.  Product storage and handling is important to ensure that the efficacy of products is not compromised.  

Modified live vaccines must be reconstituted with a sterile diluent prior to administration.  It is generally recommended that these products be used within an hour of reconstitution.  The products are routinely used with a good response when administered and handled according to label directions.  The processing speed in a stocker operation is often considerably faster than a cow/calf operation.  Cow/calf processing facilities are often in area that are not well sheltered from the weather.  This stresses the need to exercise caution when handling and administering modified live products.  Common handling techniques can render MLV products ineffective and even reduce the effectiveness of killed vaccines and other products.

It is always a good practice to purchase vaccines from a reputable distributor. A vaccine will have less than normal effectiveness if it has ever been stored improperly.  Improper storage includes freezing, and/or exposure to heat or sunlight.  Maintaining a high level of efficacy is critical to establishing immunity in a majority of vaccinated cattle.  Vaccines should be stored in a dependable refrigerator that maintains a temperature (typically 35-45⁰ F) as directed by the product label. Chute side vaccine coolers work well for holding the vaccines during processing.  These coolers have slots for holding syringes after they are loaded, and vaccines are placed inside the cooler to maintain temperature.  Remember to take that cooler with you when you go purchase vaccines so that you can keep the products at the recommended temperature on the way home.  Vaccine coolers can be purchased ready to use, or can easily be constructed by converting small coolers for this intended purpose.  Instructions for making an inexpensive vaccine cooler are available by accessing the beefextension.okstate.edu website, scroll to the Ok Beef Quality Assurance link,  then click on “Chute Side Vaccine Cooler”.  While you are at the site, take some time to review the numerous additional OSU Extension beef cattle resources available.

It is also important to maintain a record of lot/serial numbers of products in the event of a recall or other situations that may arise.  A quick and easy method of recording the lot and serial numbers while working cattle is to simply to take a photo of the information on the vial label with a cell phone camera.  It can be transferred later to more permanent records.  Products that are out of date should be properly discarded.  Through proper record keeping, storage and handling, animal health products will be an effective piece of a comprehensive cattle health program.  

Dr Glenn Selk talks about the importance of proper storage and handling of vaccines on a classic SunUpTV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-D_2okZ6ZE

Written by:
Chrissy Fly
Published on:
November 16, 2022

Categories: TSCRA Update

Recent Posts

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association names new leadership

March 25, 2023

Volunteers elected, appointed during 2023 Cattle Raisers Convention & Expo.  Texas & …

Continue Reading about Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association names new leadership

Robertson County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent recognized by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

March 25, 2023

David Groschke recognized as a leader in local beef education.  Today, Texas & …

Continue Reading about Robertson County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent recognized by Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

G Bar C Ranch honored as 2023 Texas Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship Award recipient

March 25, 2023

Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association today recognized Meredith Ellis of G Bar C Ranch …

Continue Reading about G Bar C Ranch honored as 2023 Texas Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship Award recipient

Footer

Who We Are

Why Join
Leadership
Staff
TSCRA Partners
FAQs
Newsroom
Sponsorships
Employment

What We Do

Theft and Law
Issues and Policy
Education
Young Cattle Raisers
The Cattleman Magazine
Cattle Raisers Insurance
Cattle Raisers Trading Co.
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association

Information

Cattle Raisers Blog
News Releases
Bereavements
Events
Media Kit
Tip Hotline
Get Involved
Links

Membership

Membership Center
Membership Center Instructions
Join
Renew
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

PO BOX 101988
FORT WORTH, TX 76185

1-800-242-7820

© 2023 Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; All Rights Reserved.

COPYRIGHT | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS OF USE