Winter in Australia is a high-pressure time for cattle and producers alike. Between weaning, induction, and shifting stock onto winter crops or grain, your animals are under significant physiological stress.
To keep them growing and healthy, you need a strategy that covers both clostridial diseases protection and metabolic support.
The right fuel for the engine: why B12 matters2-6
Think of Vitamin B12 as the "metabolic lubricant" for your cattle. It is essential for turning proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into energy and muscle.
- Go long acting: not all B12 is the same. You want hydroxocobalamin, which stays in the system longer than the shorter-acting cyanocobalamin.
- Beat the winter stall: cold weather and feed changes ramp up energy demands. A long-acting B12 boost helps maintain optimum weight gain during these transitions.
- Performance that lasts: providing this supplement supports your young stock through the critical 50-day window following weaning.
5-in-1 B12 vs. 7-in-1: making the right choice
Producers often ask whether a 5-in-1 B12 or 7-in-1 vaccine is the better choice. The answer depends on your production goals and regional disease risks. The table below provides a quick comparison of the benefits of each option.
| Feature | Websters 5-in-1 B12 Vaccine for Cattle and Sheep | Websters 7-in-1 Vaccine for Cattle |
|---|---|---|
| The "big 5" protection1 | Full coverage for Pulpy Kidney, Tetanus, Blackleg, Malignant Oedema, and Black Disease. | Full coverage for the same five clostridial diseases. |
| Lepto protection1 | None | Protects against L. Hardjo and L. Pomona |
| The B12 boost1 | Includes long acting hydroxocobalamin. | No Vitamin B12 included. |
| Best used for | Weaners and induction: Growth and appetite support. | Breeders and biosecurity: Stopping "abortion storms" and milk drop in cows |
Your winter vaccination game plan
- Check the feed: Moving cattle onto lush winter crops or heavy grain? That’s a massive Pulpy Kidney risk. You need core clostridial protection.
- Select the right coverage: Use a Websters 5-in-1 or 7-in-1 for core protection against Pulpy Kidney, Tetanus, Blackleg, Malignant Oedema, and Black Disease.
- Boost with Vitamin B12: Ensure your vaccine contains hydroxocobalamin, a longer-acting form of B12 that supports metabolism during high-demand periods like winter weaning.
- Use the 50-day advantage: Websters 5-in-1 B12 vaccine comes with a 50-day broaching claim1. This means once you open a pack, you have up to 50 days to use the rest. This makes it much easier to hit those essential booster shots 4-6 weeks after the first dose.
- Protect your family: If you're working cattle in wet, muddy winter yards, Leptospirosis is a major zoonotic risk that can infect you and your staff. In this case, use Websters 7-in-1 vaccine.
- Stay "immune ready": When moving stock this winter, make sure your National Cattle Health Declaration is up to date to prove your animals have the best start possible.
The bottom line
For weaning and induction, using Websters 5-in-1 B12 vaccine ensures your cattle have the immunity they need and the metabolic "go" to keep putting on weight through the cold months.
References
1. Refer to registered labels APVMA No. 50632 and APVMA No. 47947. 2. Grace, N. D., et al. (2010). Managing mineral deficiencies in grazing livestock. New Zealand Society of Animal Production (Inc). Hamilton. New Zealand. 3. Suttle, N. (2022). Mineral Nutrition of Livestock, 5th Edition. CABI, Cambridge. 4. McDowell, L.R (2000). Vitamin B12. In Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition; Iowa State University Press: Ames, IA, USA, pp. 523–563. 5. Hosking, W.J., et al. (1986). Trace elements for pastures and animals in Victoria. Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs: Melbourne. 6. Gonzalez-Rivas, P. A., et al. (2021). A pilot study comparing the pharmacokinetics of injectable cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin associated with a trace mineral injection in cattle. JVPT, 44(3), 406-410.
This article was written by Virbac Australia for Seasons magazine.
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