Are slow growing native breeds less susceptible to blackleg?

dod1e

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Aberdeenshire
We've been offered some grazing by a family member, but they've advised that we vaccinate for Blackleg. Having done some research I find this mostly affects beef breeds during high growth periods, and is triggered by low oxygen conditions in muscles activating the bacteria in question, so I'm wondering if our slow growing native breed cattle might be less at risk.

I cant find anything online about the incidence of blackleg per breed other than it predominantly affects beef breeds 6 - 24 months old, when healthy and growing fast.

Any thoughts or experiences welcomed.

Thanks in advance.

Dod
 

dod1e

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
Aberdeenshire
I'm not sure about your theory. But if you want to use the grazing, and there's a known Blackleg risk, don't over think it. Just vaccinate them for Blackleg!!
Yes, I know that's the correct answer, but we farm part time with a full time job off farm so fitting in 2 doses between now and the end of the month is a bit of a thought, so really clutching at straws. If anyone can tell me they've ever heard of a beltie getting blackleg then that'd be enough to end the thought process!
 

Jasper

Member
People round here used to get problems just after they’ve cleaned the ditches out but now I think everything gets vaccinated
 

organicguy

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
North East Wilts
Lost hereford bull, hereford cross 2 yro steer, beef and dairy cross calves over the years. Now vaccinate.
Bacteria lives in soil, gets into body through cut or pr*ck. Only kills the animal when it gets a bruise so the muscle becomes anaerobic allowing it to grow. Death in 24hrs unless you are lucky.
Lost 5 calves after landlord tipped rubble from barn floor in corner of field, ditch spoil and muddy gates can be enough.
 

ringi

Member
Yes, I know that's the correct answer, but we farm part time with a full time job off farm so fitting in 2 doses between now and the end of the month is a bit of a thought, so really clutching at straws. If anyone can tell me they've ever heard of a beltie getting blackleg then that'd be enough to end the thought process!

Don't stress the details, give the 1st as soon as the can, and the 2nd dose sometime after the required gap between doses.
 

Cowlife

Member
I think I remember the vet saying the first dose give the most of the immunity.
We only had problems once. Had grazed a bit of ground for years without issue and then randomly lost a bought in holstein heifer yearling.
We vaccinate now.
 

neilo

Member
Mixed Farmer
Location
Montgomeryshire
The vaccine is pennies. My father, being 'careful' at times, only ever used to give the first dose, and only before the first turnout (dairy heifers). If we ever missed it, we'd almost certainly lose one on one block of land.

Only when we started on ibr vaccination did I start doing 2 blackleg jabs, as we were handling twice anyway then.
 

borderterribles

Member
Livestock Farmer
Location
South Shropshire
Yes, I know that's the correct answer, but we farm part time with a full time job off farm so fitting in 2 doses between now and the end of the month is a bit of a thought, so really clutching at straws. If anyone can tell me they've ever heard of a beltie getting blackleg then that'd be enough to end the thought process!
Not a Beltie, but my brother-in-law has problems with Blackleg in his Welsh Blacks, on some of his ground, if they aren't vaccinated.
 

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