10 diagnostics for stocker programs

Geni Wren Jessica Laurin, DVM, Animal Health Center of Marion Co. Inc., Marion, Kan., has many stocker/backgrounder clients in her area on the edge of the Kansas Flint Hills. Laurin is a fan of preventive and diagnostic medicine to head off problems.

“Stocker/backgrounders in my area will purchase calves between 350–650 lbs. to sell between 800–950 pounds, depending upon the market,” she says. “Each year brings a new set of expectations and challenges.” Because of that, Laurin uses a variety of diagnostic tools and approaches for working with stocker/backgrounder clients.

Listed here are 10 diagnostic tools that Laurin uses to keep her stocker operations healthy. Click here for full descriptions of how she uses these diagnostic tools.

• BVD ear-notching
• Necropsy collection
• Histopathology
• Bacteriology C&S
• Respiratory PCR panel
• Virus isolation (VI)
• Mycoplasma culture
• Anaplasmosis testing
• Virus titers
• Respiratory fluorescent antibody testing

 

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