Vaccines, a vital part of keeping all livestock healthy, help in the prevention of disease, which results in less utilization of antibiotics due to fewer sick animals.

According to South Dakota State University's Extension Dairy Field Specialist Tracey Erickson, livestock vaccines provide protective immunity approximately 21 days following the initial vaccination in the majority of animals. Some livestock vaccines may require a booster vaccination(s) to ensure immunity for the period designated by the manufacturer.

There are multiple factors influencing immunity, including but not limited to, medical history, vaccine type, method of administration, age, and species being vaccinated, Erickson says. While a valid vet-client-patient relationship will help you as you select the vaccine of choice for your livestock health program, Erickson offers these tips for understanding the types of livestock vaccines and how to keep and store animal vaccines.

To read more about storing vaccines, click here.

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