Wondering how everyone prepares their animals for shipping to and from shows. We have 3 shows this winter about 4-5hrs one way. Can Inforce 3 be given couple days before leaving though the calf has been dosed with it already? Any antibiotics as a preventer before leaving or upon returning? Had a calf get pretty bad off doing a couple shows last year w respiratory probs then going off feed ect ect. Kind of set us back a little in the end. Managed to get it under control but would much rather be on the preventative end this year. Thanks
Preventative actions preparing for shows
- Thread starter remington
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creativecattle
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Give them Vita Charge for three consecutive days prior to the show and then during as need. It will protect the digestive system through stress and keep them eating. You won't see the full effectiveness of antibiotics if they aren't eating or nutrition isn't on point.
All our show were 5 to 6 hours away, we made sure we had given probiotics prior to and during the show. If leaving early in the morning we would cut the grain ration in half and feed more hay the night before, leaving later in the day or morning we gave them a little grain and plenty of hay for their morning feeding. The hay sticks with them longer, that way they have a full belly and cud to chew on the trip.
The other thing is make sure they will drink from a bucket or whatever you plan on watering them with prior to the show. We start watering the calves out of the same bucket we will take to the show so they know what it is. Calves used to drinking out of a big tub can be a little leary of a bucket, same with feed, their nightly feeding is done out of the same type of pan we plan on using at the show. The more you can keep your routine the same the better for the calves, at least with feeding, feeding times and water.
The other thing is make sure they will drink from a bucket or whatever you plan on watering them with prior to the show. We start watering the calves out of the same bucket we will take to the show so they know what it is. Calves used to drinking out of a big tub can be a little leary of a bucket, same with feed, their nightly feeding is done out of the same type of pan we plan on using at the show. The more you can keep your routine the same the better for the calves, at least with feeding, feeding times and water.
