Steps That Should Be Taken When Bringing New Cattle Into the Herd

One of the biggest worries when purchasing new cattle for your herd is the threat of disease being brought onto your farm by a new arrival. Bio-security is a management technique that ensures the health and wellness of your existing herd when introducing new cattle. The alternative to bio-security is keeping a closed herd, which is very difficult to do in order to maintain a working farm.

  1. Vaccination

    • Be sure that your existing herd is properly vaccinated before introducing any new animals. Consult with your herd's veterinarian before purchasing new cattle and allowing it on your farm. Do not allow any new cattle to enter the herd before you have checked the health of each head of cattle in your existing herd.

    Know the Source

    • Before purchasing any new cattle, ensure that you know where the animal is coming from. The herd you are purchasing the new animals from should have an effective vaccination program similar to the one you are currently using on your existing herd. Ask for a vaccination history when purchasing new cattle. Transport your new cattle from their old herd to your farm using equipment that has been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

    The Quarantine Process

    • The new animals should be quarantined for at least 30 days before being introduced to the existing herd. The designated quarantine area should be kept separate from all other bovine areas on your farm. To prevent the spread of respiratory illness between cattle, the quarantine area should not even share the same airspace as the existing herd. Quarantined cattle should not share feeders, waterers, ropes and halters with any resident cattle until the quarantine period is over. Take quarantined cattle's temperature each day to ensure their health. Make note of any illness or symptoms you may encounter and discuss any changes in demeanor or health with your herd's veterinarian. You can begin to vaccinate the new cattle on your schedule while they are in quarantine.

    After Quarantine

    • As the quarantine period ends, keep the new cattle on the same schedule as your existing herd. For example, milk the cattle around the same time as you do the resident herd. If all the new animals prove to be disease free at the end of the quarantine period, it is time to introduce them to the existing herd. No special steps are necessary -- simply bring the new cattle into the same area as the existing resident herd. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any equipment you used during the quarantine period, as this equipment should be kept aside and be ready to use when you make another new cattle purchase.