Cattle vaccination is more than a seasonal chore; it is a lifetime investment in reproductive efficiency. According to Dr. Becky Funk, a veterinarian at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, producers must move beyond “automatic” vaccination and adopt an intentional, long-term strategy.
Funk was a featured speaker during the Beef Reproduction Task Force’s 2025 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium. She says producers should view vaccination as a long-term strategy, not just a short-term fix for the breeding season.
What is the Metabolic Cost of Vaccinating Cattle?
Vaccines are not free, either in cost or impact on cattle. There is a metabolic cost that impacts their immune response, affecting overall performance.
“Research has shown that even a single immune response requires significant energy,” Funk says. “In young calves, that energy demand can represent a meaningful portion of their daily maintenance needs.”
Why is Colostrum the Foundation of Lifetime Immunity?
Every vaccine given should be intentional, not automatic. At birth, colostrum is the foundation of immunity. Building a strong immune system for calves is critical for their productive life.
“Calves that don’t receive adequate colostrum are more likely to get sick or die early, and those that experience illness early in life are often less productive in the long term,” Funk says.
Shifting to Reproductive Protection
A lifetime of immunity is hard to reach without a strong start. By the time a heifer is ready to be bred, her immune system has already been shaped by early decisions.
“As heifers enter the breeding herd, vaccination programs typically shift to reproductive-focused vaccines,” Funk adds.
What is the Difference Between Killed and Modified-Live Vaccines?
Depending on the animal, the right vaccine matters. According to Funk, heifers and cows require different approaches.
Killed Vaccines: These are often safer for pregnant animals because they do not contain live pathogens, but they do not stimulate as strong of an immune response. As a result of dead pathogens, the immune system is more stimulated, causing a larger impact on their metabolic response. They often require a booster.
Modified-live vaccines (MLV): These contain weakened live pathogens that replicate in the animal. While they offer stronger, more complete protection, they carry a risk of causing abortions if used improperly in pregnant cattle. While MLVs can offer stronger protection, they carry more risk if misused.
Defining Your Vaccination Goals
Funk recommends selecting vaccines based on what you are specifically trying to protect:
- Conception: Ensuring the cow is ready to breed.
- Pregnancy: Preventing early embryonic loss.
- The Fetus: Protecting the unborn calf from pathogens like BVD.
- The Newborn: Ensuring the cow produces high-quality colostrum to protect the calf after birth.
Different goals result in different vaccines used. All equally important but depend on the operation.
Built Over a Lifetime
Health is a long-term investment in a cow’s productivity. Choosing the right vaccines and using them at the right time, plays a critical role in their life. That process begins before birth and continues throughout the animal’s life.
“The goal is to build a herd that’s resilient over time, not just protecting them for one breeding season,” Funk summarizes. “We’re not just vaccinating for today; we are setting these cows up for the rest of their productive life.”
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