With docking well advanced, attention now turns to the management of lambs up to weaning and beyond. We often get questioned about the merits of vaccinating lambs with 5 in 1 and when this could be done.
If ewes have been pre-lamb vaccinated correctly and developed good levels of clostridial antibiodies, lambs should have about 12 weeks protection against tetanus and pulpy kidney. This length of protection should give cover until weaning in most circumstances. Consequently for most properties there is generally not too much to be gained by vaccinating before weaning, (given that pre-lamb vaccination was done correctly at the correct time!).
The pros and cons of vaccinating at weaning or beyond.
Given that the threat of tetanus is mainly associated with docking, the reasons to consider vaccination are primarily to protect against pulpy kidney and to a much lesser extent the clostridial diseases classed as ‘blood poisoning’.
Where lambs grow rapidly on high quality pasture, pulpy kidney is a constant threat. If, in the past you have experienced sudden deaths in lambs post weaning, clostridial disease, especially pulpy kidney, is a likely cause and vaccination of lambs is a good option.
Vaccination of lambs costs 20 cents per lamb. Valuing lambs at $80 means that one death per 400 lambs will cover the cost of vaccination!!
Other points to note:
1. Consideration could be given to vaccinating replacement ewe lambs only. They will be on the property for a prolonged period and this vaccination can be considered as a sensitiser vaccination.
2. If finishing lambs on high quality pastures, the threat of pulpy kidney seems to increase significantly.
3. If vaccinating lambs destined for slaughter, always ensure vaccination is given high up in the neck to avoid carcass lesion issues. We would also suggest you do not vaccinate lambs likely to be killed within 3 weeks of vaccination as problems have arisen at the works with the inoculation site reactions that occur immediately after vaccination. (Note, however, there is no withholding time on 5 in 1 vaccinations.)