Are slow growing native breeds less susceptible to blackleg?

[dod1e]

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

 

[Woolless]

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!!

 

[ritchiekirkland]

It’s not an expensive vaccine , just do it .

 

[dod1e]

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!

 

[ritchiekirkland]

Had an luing heifer die from it once .

 

[Jasper]

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

 

[BrianV]

We have had problems in the past but now vaccinate, the cost is negligible in comparison to the loss of a bullock or two so don't risk it.

 

[organicguy]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[som farmer]

put up with the inconvenience, its cheap vaccine, and a lot cheaper than paying the knacker man to take an animal(s)
just do it

 

[Wooly]

The land has a blackleg problem.......

You have been advised to vaccinate against blackleg.........



........why would you be asking the question !!

 

[Werzle]

After this awful wet mild winter there will probably be an increase in blackleg this year, its such a cheap vaccine its madness not to vaccinate.

 

[Cornish bob]

Always vaccinate ,we lost 15 Hereford x sim 5 month old calves in 2 days once never risk it !!!

 

[devonbeef]

its a bloody awful sight going in the field in the morning to find several on there side dead with it, one morning 3 big bullocks, don,t risk it