The days are getting longer, the seasons are shifting, spring is on the way! On your beef cattle operation, the task of the season is changing too. Transitioning from calving season through seedstock sale season, spring means branding season is just around the corner.
The branding pen can be chaotic, with lots happening at once. A little preparation ahead of time can go a long way. The first step is determining what your spring processing protocol for young calves will be. If you have already had a discussion with your veterinarian about your annual herd health protocols, such as spring calf processing, you will likely have many of these answers. Not all operations are alike but here are some protocols to discuss with your veterinarian; vaccine protocol, pain mitigation protocols and implant protocols (if it applies to your operation). VBP+ has a herd health protocol template you can take to your veterinarian if one is not provided. You can find it here.
Once you have your product requirements, you can plan for the equipment needed such as syringes, needles, sharps containers and animal markers to name a few Is the equipment you need clean and in good working order? Are your multi-dose syringes calibrated? Now is a good time to check. A malfunctioning syringe that dispenses either too much product can cost you money and run you short of vaccine. It’s a good practice to give your syringes a spring cleaning using only hot water. Never use any detergent/soap to clean syringes, as any residue can affect your vaccine. Also remember never to use a syringe that was used for antibiotics as your vaccine gun – when possible, label and use designated syringes for vaccines.
Planning for your people resources is important too. Depending on what your spring processing/branding protocol is, there will likely be multiple people descending on each calf either on the ground or in the table, many of them friends or family that help out once a year. Are they aware of any biosecurity concerns or protocols on your operation? Do they need a refresher on how to give sub-cutaneous and intramuscular injections properly and safely? A reminder on how to move around the pen to keep themselves, others and animals safe? Who do they go to if they have questions or if something goes wrong?
Create open communication with your volunteer crew about possible deviations that could occur during branding (ex. animal moved and missed giving the full injection, calf was let go before injection was given). The last thing you want is someone to make a mistake (for example, breaking a needle in an animal or double vaccinating) and you don’t know about it. A quick meeting or training session before the big event can help you to make sure everyone involved knows your operation’s on-farm food safety, biosecurity or animal care objectives and values.
Keep your individual and group treatment records handy to include any treatments and vaccinations done on branding day. It’s also a good idea to keep extra RFID tags around in case you find a calf that has lost one.
Sometimes, calves can have adverse reactions to vaccines. Keep yourself prepared with epinephrine on hand. You can also prepare yourself for other accidents or emergencies by keeping a first aid kit handy and having a plan to extinguish a fire around the branding pot.
Brandings are a good way to get many spring tasks knocked off the list prior to pasture turnouts and indulge in a little social connection with family and friends. Plan for a successful and safe branding day. You, your operation and your livestock will be the better for it.