Liver Abscesses – The Unseen Profit Thief
By: Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate, Courtesy of iGrow.org
Liver Abscesses
Tag: bovine
Our patented products stand at the forefront of immune system enhancement for Bovine and Other Livestock. Our products are safe, healthy, effective, natural, and good for the environment.
Introduction to Livestock Products
Ramaekers Nutrition
Written by: Dr. Bob McClung
Introduction to Livestock Products: Immunotherapy
Discover the groundbreaking advancements in cattle technology through Ramaekers Nutrition’s innovative livestock products. Explore the transformative potential of immunotherapy in enhancing cattle health and productivity.
From time to time, an advancement or technology emerges that alters our perspective on a problem. In the cattle industry, this technology is known as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a relatively new and rapidly developing field in both human and veterinary medicine. This science enables us to educate the host’s immune system, aiding in the fight against viral and bacterial pathogens. The new technology is both financially rewarding and reasonable to utilize.
Despite our considerable knowledge of antibiotic therapeutic agents and targeted vaccination programs, it is acknowledged that we still have “disease wrecks.” An internationally patented advancement developed by Dr. Joe Ramaekers, Immune Primer, is available in both non-ruminating and ruminating forms, as seen in bovine products and other livestock products. When used in conjunction with sound husbandry and vaccination protocols, it enhances health and profit margins in nearly all cattle operations. In the last eight years, studies that have been done in dairy cows, dairy heifers, bull calf rearing, veal operations, cow-calf, goat, sheep enterprises back-grounding operations, and feedlot businesses have shown Immune Primer markedly reduces morbidity (sickness), mortality (death loss), improves performance and profit margins.
Introduction to Livestock Products: Immune Primers
When added adjunctively to sound management practice, Adult Immune Primer or Newborn Immune Primer has increased margins because improved health results in better performance. Savings from decreased illness, reduced antibiotic use, lower labor costs to treat cattle, more effective antibiotic responses, increased gain rates, and shorter feed times make the Immune Primer formulas even more critical in times of high feed costs for producers. A tremendous reduction in illness and death loss also provides income that was previously unavailable to the producer. As a practicing veterinarian who has used these products on my own cattle and sheep, as well as in my clients’ agribusinesses, with excellent results for 10 years, I am very pleased with these products. “I strongly feel these products have the greatest potential for improved profit of any new product introduced into animal production in the last 40 years.”
Introduction to Livestock Products: Method of Action
Immune Primer’s patented technologies utilize the top chemical messengers of the immune system to convert slowly reactive immune systems into highly responsive systems. These messengers are highly specific to the variety of microbial agents they are coded for and produced to target. The Immune Primer molecules educate the “natural killer cells” to recognize these pathogens and initiate a wide variety of cytokines (chemical messengers) and cellular responses that control the activity of the immune system. It, in fact, increases the immune response by over 400% above baseline. When used appropriately, these responses help prevent damage from bacterial, viral, and fungal agents and enhance the response to antibiotics and vaccines. This is a valuable adjunct to the management protocols currently in place. These ingredients are derived from natural products, a plus in marketing “all-natural” animal products.
Introduction to Livestock Products
Each category of cattle enterprise has its own set of disease problems. For example:
DAIRY COWS– transition cow problems
- mastitis problems
- breeding problems, reproductive efficiency
- high somatic cell problems
- calf problems
CALF REARERS
- respiratory disease
- scour problems~ viral, bacterial, protozoan
STOCKER-FEEDER
COW-CALF
- breeding efficiency
- increased conception rate
- calf health problems
- ET production enhancement increased # of eggs
SMALL RUMINANTS
- newborn health, adjunctive treatment, CL prevention
- improved conception, egg, and semen quality
All of the above areas have been or are being investigated. In all cases, strengthening the immune system has shown significant benefits for the producer in terms of production.
Enhancing Embryo Quality
Embryo Quality Characteristics with Superovulated Cows Treatment with Nutrition
Horizons Nutrition Factor Immune Product (NHNFI)
G.H.L. Marquezinia, V.R.G. Mercadantea, M.M. Wardb, A.R. Spellc, J. Carterc, N. Paton, G. C. Lamba
- North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL;
- Nutrition Horizons, Lewisburg, OH;
- Applied Reproduction Resources, Daphne, AL
Chuteside Manner
Ramaekers Nutrition Thoughts: Securing the health of Dairy Steers
BY PATTI WILSON
We’ve all seen them. Many of us have fed them, and a few of us have had one in the deep freeze. Dairy steers make up nearly 20% of all fed cattle.
The sale of newborn bull calves may make up only one to two percent of gross sales from dairies. Until recently, there has been little incentive to give them the same care as their heifer mates. High labor costs and time restrictions on large dairies generally have a negative impact on the initial care of dairy bull calves. This is directly translated into inadequate or untimely administration of colostrum after birth. It sets up the calves for a lifetime of greater disease risk, lower growth rates, and unthriftiness.
Given today’s price of cattle, the shortage of numbers, and increased feedlot space, dairy bull calves are gaining importance in the beef industry. This fact alone should prompt dairies to administer first-class care to their bull calves. Calves that, in the past, may have only brought $5 per head may now be worth up to $500 off the farm. Compared to beef calves, dairy bull calves are at higher risk of illness due to how they are managed and raised.
Where does it start: Chuteside Manner
A dairy heifer calf is the princess of the barn. She is administered measured amounts of high-quality colostrum (tested with a colostrometer). She receives these two to three times prior to being moved out of the calving area. A general recommendation for administering colostrum is four quarts of high-quality product at birth. Followed by two quarts at 10 to 12 hours. Some dairies may even feed three times. Bull calves, however, are treated a bit differently. Being a by-product, many may get only one feeding, and some may get none. Many large dairies have calves picked up by “calf jockeys” on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. And they often spend a week on the road. They are trailered to calf ranches where they are raised in large groups until they weigh 300 to 350 pounds. At that point, backgrounding lots purchase the calves, and they are moved out.
On a seasonal basis, morbidity on these young calves can reach 15 to 30 percent, and mortality 5 to 15 percent without our health program. Early pulls and death loss due to compromised immune systems are more measurable than events happening later in the lives of calves. A common problem, susceptibility to Mycoplasma pneumonia, can lead to other diseases. Eventually, the value of the drop at harvest from Holsteins is reduced by abscesses on the liver, lungs, and kidneys. Mycoplasma almost guarantees an abscessed liver, resulting in lowered grade percentages. Inadequate immunity affects every factor determining profitability.
What to do: Chuteside Manner
For folks feeding Holsteins, good intervention lies in using transfer factors and probiotics found in the Ramaekers Immune Primer Formulas. Joe Ramaekers, DVM, is a veterinarian from Santa Cruz, California. He is a lifelong student of immunology and is frequently called to consult with livestock producers of all species regarding communicable diseases. Ramaekers is conducting real-world tests and has developed Immune Primer Formulas which can be administered to large groups of cattle, fed to just a few, or even drenched in young stock. It is used to boost the immune system’s performance in healthy and compromised animals. He has long believed in effective preventative medicine using his patented Immune Primer for at-risk or stressed patients.
Cull Rates Cut to less than 1%
Stressed calves arriving from lengthy trips to calf ranches may be dosed with the Immune Primer Formulas on days one, two, and twelve, and spot treated with penicillin G as needed. Cheaper antibiotics appear to have enhanced effectiveness when used in combination with his Immune Primer Formulas. At one ranch, cull rates on calves under Dr. Ramaekers’ care have been cut to less than 1%, and groups of calves “even up” as they stay on the ranch.
For older preconditioned dairy calves, there is the Adult Stress Premix. This formula is indicated for use during stress windows such as transition, weaning, and transport.
Finished dairy steers when managed with Dr. Ramaekers’ immune conditioning program consistently attain improved carcass quality and reduced carcass discounts, resulting in higher profitability for the producer.
Average Return of $10 for Every Dollar Invested
Ramaekers’ hope is that the Adult Immune Primer Formula and Adult Stress Premix can be used in all-natural pens of cattle, replacing implants, hormone therapy, or other regulatory feed additives that may cause side effects such as lowering grade or potential toxicity. His goal is to return at least ten dollars for every dollar invested in his product. His historical data collected on almost 1 million head of cattle over 13 years shows an average return of $10 for every dollar invested.
With new antibiotic regulations coming down the pike, Ramaekers sees an increasing need to turn to a “prophylactic program”. A program that affords 24-hour protection and Primes the animal’s immune system for life. The current political climate is demanding the minimization of antibiotics. It is inconvenient and, to many of us in the livestock industry, unnecessary because we use our medications judiciously according to the label guidelines. The future may demand that we rely more heavily on the use of immune science to raise our production levels. Immune system priming will also help raise the effectiveness of all health products, including vaccines and wormers, and extend the life of Western medicine therapeutics. The use of non-prescription feed additives will end in 2016. Ramaekers Nutrition is being proactive in a market that is demanding an antibiotic and hormone-free product.
RESEARCH: CHUTESIDE MANNER
BOVINE VACCINE TITER ENHANCEMENT OCTOBER 2009
WILLOW CREEK FARMS, TIFFIN, OHIO
KEY POINTS: CHUTESIDE MANNER
- COMPARISON BETWEEN IMMUNE PRIMER & PHASED RELEASE IMMUNE PRIMER
- 320% TO 500% INCREASED VACCINE TITERS
In October of 2009, 45 steers from Zanesville, Ohio, were delivered to Willow Creek Farms in Tiffin, Ohio, owned by Dr. Robert McClung.
The steers were gate-cut into three groups:
Twenty heads were tagged with ODD numbers to receive the Adult Immune Primer, twenty heads were tagged with EVEN numbers to receive the Adult Immune Primer Sustained Release with Minerals, and five tagged controls received placebos.
The Adult Immune Primer group got the product on days 1, 2 & 12. The Adult Immune Primer Sustained Release with Minerals group got the product on days 1 &12. The controls were given placebos on days 1, 2 & 12.
On day 1, all cattle received the same worming and vaccine protocols. In addition, all cattle received a porcine, slow-release parvovirus and 5-way leptospirosis vaccine by Solid Tech Bacterin.
All cattle were bled on day 0 for baseline titers for porcine parvovirus and leptospirosis.
On day 12, all cattle received standard vaccine boosters, and the study groups received their second dose of Adult Immune Primer.
On days 21 and 42, all cattle were bled and weighed.
Observations on Chuteside Manner by Dr. McClung:
By the second day, ALL of the Treated calves suddenly stopped bawling and were feeding. On Days 3 & 4, compared to the controls, all the treated cattle had full bellies and appeared much more active.
On day 10, it was observed that some of the groups were visibly depressed and starting to show some respiratory signs. By day 12, 8 of the Adult Immune Primer group and 3 of the Adult Immune Primer Sustained Release with Minerals group had respiratory signs.
On day 16, Dr. McClung decided to mass treat the Adult Immune Primer group with antibiotics and 2 of the Adult Immune Primer Sustained Release with Minerals group.
On day 21, Dr. McClung repeated the Adult Immune Primer group’s antibiotics and re-bled all cattle in the study. After suspecting a vaccine failure and consulting with the manufacturer, Dr. McClung sent in titers for IBR, PI3, BVD, and BRSV. The manufacturer also suspected a vaccine failure or virus mutations. This was the first time in 5 years that Dr. McClung had problems with immune supplementation and vaccine response.
On day 42, all cattle were re-bled and weighed.
SUMMARY: Chuteside Manner
- Essentially all cattle in the study had zero starting titers for the swine vaccines.
- Both viral and bacterial components of the vaccines responded very strongly to Natural Immune Supplementation. And ranging from a 320% to 500% increase in titers.
- Also discovered was a delayed loss of vaccine immunity, or in other words, a Prolonged Duration of Immunity.
Calf Sickness Can Cost
Although this article is dated, it demonstrates the hidden costs of calf illness and how illness early in life prevents maximum performance and limits complete genetic expression. Using our bovine products from day one will help maximize health, lower drug and labor costs, improve feed efficiency, enhance genetic expression, improve carcass quality, and increase profits.
Natural Beef Feedlot
July 2004, Minden, Nebraska
KEY POINTS:
- ZERO% DEATH LOSS
- .004% Treats vs. Historically having 13% Treats
- OMRI Listed Product
This feedlot specializes in “natural beef,” feeding 9,000 heads annually for a major distributor. The study started with 750 heads of 5 & 6 weights, not pre-conditioned, traveling 600 to 2000 miles from California, Texas, and Arkansas.
Historically, the cattle are fed grass hay on day one and processed with deworming and vaccines on day two. Revaccination occurs in 12 days. Standard processing protocols over the past nine years have yielded mortality rates of 1 to 1.5% and pull rates of 13%.
This study started on July 24, 2004, with all 750 incoming heads receiving two (2) one-ounce gel caps on day one of Ramaekers IMMUNE PRIMER. On day two, a pelletized starter ration with one ounce of IMMUNE PRIMER per 5-lb ration was started daily for three days. All cattle consumed approximately 5#’s of ration per day.
At the end of the study, death loss was zero, and only three were treated once for respiratory symptoms.
Natural Beef Feedlot Summary:
- Manage Stress By Starting Early Immune Supplementation with IMMUNE PRIMER.
- Invest in Health EARLY to prevent the cost of disease management.
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Mastitis Study
Dairy Study: Somatic Cell Reduction
MASTITIS STUDY KEY POINTS:
- Somatic Cell Count Reduction: 59.7%
- OMRI Listed Product
A study on somatic cell counts was conducted involving 26 cows with chronically high somatic cell counts. Thirteen cows were randomly assigned to the study group, while the other thirteen formed the control group. Initial testing on August 21, 2003, revealed that the control group had an average somatic cell count of 1,854,811, while the treatment group had an average count of 2,374,000.
During the 60-day study period, the control group received standard mastitis treatment protocols. In contrast, the cows in the study group were given one ounce of Ramaekers Livestock Stress Stable daily for three days, followed by three days off, for a total of three cycles (nine treatments).
Somatic cell count testing was repeated on September 18, 2003. The control group experienced a 10.5% increase in somatic cell counts, whereas the study group saw a significant decrease of 59.7%. This results in a 70.2% improvement in somatic cell counts when compared to the control group.
Of the treated cows, nine returned to production, while only one cow from the control group recovered after receiving heavy medication.
Summary: Mastitis Study
Using an OMRI-listed immune support product can be more effective than drug therapy for mastitis. Ideally, immune support products like LSSS should be used as preventative measures. Additionally, there are no withdrawal times associated with LSSS.
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Fort Bidwell Study
Calf Scours Study, 2002
Fort Bidwell Study Findings:
- 100% reduction in scours
- increased weaning weights
- increased weight post-weaning
- OMRI Listed Product
History:
The Fort Bidwell region encompasses the northeastern corner of California, as well as adjacent areas of Oregon and Nevada. Ranching in the Fort Bidwell area primarily consists of private ranches that utilize Bureau of Land Management ranges for grazing beef cattle.
Severe annual calf illness (up to 100% scours) and death (up to 37%) had been observed annually from 1990 to 2001 in a 1200-head cow-calf operation, and years of treatment with numerous antibiotics in several combinations proved unsuccessful. The ranchers had also worked repeatedly with the University of California, Davis College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine to ascertain the source of the severe scours that plagued the area. An autogenous bacterin had been developed from the highly resistant strain of enterohemorrhagic E. Coli isolated from local cattle. The effectiveness of this vaccine diminished over time.
The incidence of scour skyrocketed during times of rain, temperature fluctuations, cold stress, and difficulty calving.
The Study:
In January 2002, fifty cows were assigned to the calving study. At birth, the calves were ear-tagged and randomly assigned to either the Treatment group or the Control group.
On days 1 and 2 after birth, the twenty-seven calves in the treatment group received a dose of Ramaekers NEWBORN IMMUNE PRIMER. The twenty calves in the untreated group served as controls.
All calves were branded and vaccinated at 2 to 3 months of age, and the bull calves were castrated. The Treatment group received another dose of IMMUNE PRIMER, while the Control group received nothing. The study calves with their dams were mixed with other cows with calves and cows still due from multiple herds and turned out onto BLM land around April 15th.
After grazing for 5 months, all the calves were returned to the local ranchland for weaning and vaccines, and the Treatment group received one more dose of ADULT IMMUNE PRIMER.
Results & Discussion:
Within the first week of life, 100% of the control calves develop diarrhea, commonly referred to as scours. NONE of the treatment groups experienced any signs of scours.
After observing the difference between the two groups, the ranch owner DEMANDED that the protocol be broken and that the control calves receive IMMUNE PRIMER. The Control calves were given IMMUNE PRIMER for 3 days, after which the diarrhea stopped. This group became designated the Delayed-Treatment group, and the original treatment was renamed the Immediate-Treatment group.
A neighboring herd with similar genetics, herd management, calving times, branding, and a vaccination schedule was now designated as the Control Herd. The only difference was that the Control herd calved at a higher altitude and had a drier climate than the treatment herd, and did not receive the Ramaekers IMMUNE PRIMER formulas.
All the ranchers noted that the Treated calves were easily identifiable, with an estimated 5% to 7% heavier body weight and a more vibrant coat than the untreated calves.
| Average Weaning Weights (in pounds) | ||
| heifers | steers | |
| Immediate-Treatment | 555 | 594 |
| Delayed-Treatment | 547 | 589 |
| Control Group | 500 | 525 |
The calves were hay-fed for 25 days after weaning and then sold. Combined Group weight averages are as follows:
| All Treats | All Control | |
| Weaning weight | 570 | 514 |
| weaning + 1 month | 611 | 550 |
| weight gain | 41 | 36 |
Fort Bidwell Study Summary & Conclusions:
- Starting at birth, the NEWBORN IMMUNE PRIMER formula proved valuable and economical for preventing and treating calf scours.
- Placing the calf’s immune system on a high alert level against impending pathogens proved successful.
- Strategically using immune supplementation to establish a wellness platform early in life is key to overall health and performance.
- IMMUNE PRIMER is efficient and reliable as a new technology in the area of Wellness Management tools.
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Don Bond Feedlot Study
Don Bond Feedlot Study evaluates profit for a sixty-cow herd of black Angus in Vernon, Texas. These calves are in the Coleman natural beef program, with a bonus of 100 plus 35 dollars from the Certified Angus Beef Association for nonuse antibiotics. Don Bond has a history of four years from the exact genetics of his 60-cow herd to evaluate the effect of STOCKER/ADULT IMMUNE PRIMER.
Don Bond Feedlot Study: The product was given at weaning at one ounce daily for three days, along with routine processing, vaccination, castrating, and worming. Calves were back-grounded for roughly six weeks before traveling to the local feedlot for finishing. Don Bond retains ownership and has provided complete records with closeout comparisons for the past four years. I have calculated the financial advantage of using STOCKER/ADULT IMMUNE PRIMER on a per-head basis.
Financial Advantage
| This year on product | 3 year average | Financial advantage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| % grading choice( calculating 12 cents per pound bonus for choice vs select on 1300 pound animal) | 92.7 | 85.3 | $11.54 |
| Certified Angus beef bonus for choice | $2.59 | ||
| Dressing % (calculating $1.36 per pound hot carcass) | 61.7 | 62.8 | <$11.96> |
| %sick and treated with antibiotics ( Calculated at 1.5 treatments at $20 per treat) | 6 | 21.3 | $4.59 |
| % death loss (calculated at a 500-pound animal at $1.35 per pound) | 1.6 | 1.96 | $3.06 |
| Medical cost ( antibiotic cost ) | $1.22 | $7.51 | $6.19 |
| Average daily gain( calculated on 800 # of gain) | 3.16 | 2.83 | $83.49 |
| Yard cost savings on 30 days( 253 on feed vs. 283 days at $.25 cents per day) | $7.50 | ||
| Coleman dropout and CAB loss at $135 per head because of the use of antibiotics. | $20.65 | ||
| TOTAL | $127.61 | ||
| Subtract cost of five ounces of product ( $7.00 per ounce ) | -$35.00 | ||
| Net profit per head advantage | $92.61 | ||
Bovine Feedlots
A bovine feedlot is a large, fenced area where cattle are kept and fed a grain-based diet until they are ready for slaughter:
Purpose
Feedlots are used to ensure cattle reach a specific weight and provide consistent meat quality and quantity.
Location
Feedlots can be outdoor or indoor, depending on the climate:
Outdoor: These feedlots are standard in drier climates with large expanses of land, such as Texas, Nebraska, and eastern Colorado.
Indoor: These feedlots are standard in areas with higher rainfall and are typically smaller than outdoor feedlots. They have walls and roofs and often have slatted floors to allow manure and other waste to pass through.
Cattle
Cattle are fed a mix of grain, silage, hay, and protein supplements. Their average daily weight gain is between 2.5 and 4 pounds.
Length of stay
Depending on their weight, cattle may spend a few months to nearly a year in a feedlot. The typical stay is slightly less than six months.
Size
Feedlots can contain tens of thousands of animals.
Labeling
Beef products labeled “grain-fed” come from cattle that have spent an average of 50 to 120 days in a feedlot.
Feedlots are also known as animal feeding operations (AFOs) or concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs).
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Colorado Natural Beef Study
October 2004
Colorado Natural Beef Study Findings:
- 66% Reduction in sick cattle (BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE)
- INCREASED AVERAGE DAILY GAIN
- 100% Reduction in Deaths
- OMRI Listed Product
A study was conducted on Black Angus steers shipped from Oregon to Greeley, Colorado. Study calves (419 heads) were given Ramaekers Stocker/Adult Immune Primer by bolus on day 1 and blended with the feed on days 2, 3, and 12. Control calves (180 head) were given a placebo on an identical schedule. Both groups received the same vaccines and worming.
Weights, illnesses, and deaths were tracked for 30 days. The results revealed a 1.2-pound-per-day advantage for the treated calves and a 66% reduction in illness. The control group experienced 12 deaths due to Bovine Respiratory Disease compared with 0 deaths in the cattle treated with Ramaekers Immune Primer Formula.
Follow-up: Immediately following the study period, all cattle were backgrounded on corn stalks for approximately six weeks. During this time, the control group appeared to catch up with the treated group in body weight; however, after being placed on full rations, the treated group ultimately gained an estimated 70 pounds of extra gross weight.
Colorado Natural Beef Study Summary:
- Investing early with Ramaekers Immune Primer Formula promotes early Immune Education and Immune System Activation, leading to healthier animals and increased profits.
- In this and several other studies, we have demonstrated that when immune function is optimized, the animal can perform up to or beyond its genetic potential.
- An OMRI-approved product can prevent an expensive program from dropping out!
