Different branded programs vary regarding specific products that they allow or disallow in their particular programs. Therefore, it is critical to become familiar with the specific requirements of the programs in which you want to participate.

In general, all antimicrobials, whether administered in feed, water, or by injection, are not allowed at any time in the calf’s life span. The same applies to ionophores (such as Rumensin® or Bovatec®), hormones (growth implants, MGA®), and coccidiostats (such as Deccox® or Corid®).

From an industry perspective, these cattle are referred to as “never ever” cattle.

However, many animal health products are allowed in “naturally raised” programs and, in fact, are critical to disease prevention. They include:

1. Vaccines. Properly administered vaccines are extremely important in the prevention of conditions such as bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) and liver abscesses. Vaccine use ideally begins before weaning for BRDC prevention. Regardless of whether “naturally raised” calves are purchased or raised from birth, producers should employ the recommendations of their veterinarians in designing a vaccine program.
2. Parasite control products. Products to control internal (stomach worms, tapeworms) and external (lice, flies) parasites are not only important because of the drop in production that infested animals experience, but also because many of these parasites have an overall suppressive effect on the animal’s immune system.
3. Antibody preparations. Baby calves (especially) benefit from passive antibodies they receive early in life as a means of protection from diseases such as neonatal diarrhea (calf scours) and clostridial infections. Colostrum that the calf receives from its mother is of utmost importance, but colostrum supplements and replacers, antibody preparations (e.g. First Defense®, Ecolizer®), and injectable antitoxins, may also play a role in disease prevention in certain operations.
4. Feed-grade microbials, bloat preventives and treatments. These products may play a role in maintaining rumen health when ionophores are not available. These products include probiotics, buffers, and bloat preventives and treatments such as poloxalene (Therabloat®) and magnesium oxide.

If you'd like to like to enroll your cattle in a verification program or receive information about the different programs that are available, give us a call at (303)-895-3002 or visit us at www.USVerified.com