Page 218 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

Table 10.5: Cattle vaccination calendar

Month
Disease
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
CBBP ✓ ✓
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
Anthrax ✓ ✓
FMD ✓ ✓

LSD ✓ ✓ ✓
ECF ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Brucellosis ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

CBPP = Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia, FMD = Foot and Mouth Disease,
LSD = Lumpy Skin Disease, ECF = East Coast Fever
Not all health problems in cattle are caused by pathogens. Some are caused by
poor management or the environment. These are called non-pathological diseases
or disorders. For example, a lack of vitamins or minerals can lead to nutritional
disorders such as rickets (weak bones in young animals) or anaemia (low blood
levels). Poisonous plants, spoiled feed, or harmful chemicals can also cause
diseases or death in cattle.
Weather conditions also affect cattle health. In very hot weather, cattle may suffer
from heat stress, especially if they do not have enough water or are not provided
with shade/shelter. If this happens, they breathe heavily, stop eating, or become
weak. In cold weather, young calves may suffer from respiratory disease if they
are not kept warm and on dry spaces/beddings. Other dangers include snake bites
or attacks from wild animals. A snake bite can cause swelling and pain, and may
even kill the animal. It is important to note that even though these conditions are
not caused by pathogens, they can still harm cattle and reduce production.

Other causes of poor health in beef cattle
Besides parasites and diseases, other important factors that can lead to poor
health in beef cattle. include poor feeding, dirty environment, and injuries from
poor handling.
Poor feeding is one of the major causes of weakness and slow growth in cattle.
When animals are fed with inadequate or poor-quality feed, they may fail to grow
properly and can easily fall sick. However, feeding too much or giving the wrong
type of feed can also be harmful. For example, bloating can happen when cattle

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AGRICULTURE F3.indd 209