Comparison of pre-weaning bovine respiratory disease treatment rates between non-vaccinated control and variably primed and boosted beef calves receiving commercially available bovine coronavirus vaccines.
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective: The primary objective was to determine effectiveness of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) vaccination of neonatal calves in the face of natural respiratory infection in a commercial herd. Animals: At a privately owned ranch in north-central Alberta with a history of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), beef calves of mixed sex and breed were randomized into a clinical vaccine trial. Procedure: = 389) also received an intramuscular dose of BCoV vaccine at an average of 49 d (SD: 7 d). Treatment for BRD and total mortality were recorded until pasture turnout. Weaning weights were collected at the end of the grazing season. A partial budget comparison included costs of vaccination and treatment, as well as potential revenues using weaning weights and regional sale summaries. Results: = 0.04) and, despite increased costs due to vaccination, revenue for VAC calves was an average of $10.50/head higher. Conclusion: Vaccination of neonatal calves with BCoV vaccine reduced the frequency of BRD treatment and total mortality and improved weaning weights and revenue potential in this herd. Clinical relevance: Vaccination with commercial BCoV vaccines could be an important tool to control neonatal BRD, particularly in herds with a history of disease not responsive to other BRD vaccines.
Source: PubMed
Institution: University of Saskatchewan
Language: English
Subfield: Animal Science and Zoology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7130762241
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