AABP Executive Director Dr. Fred Gingrich is joined by Dr. Chris Chase, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences and Dr. Curt Vlietstra, Senior Professional Services Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim. This episode is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, manufacturer of the Pyramid line of cattle vaccines. Find more information about Pyramid/Presponse vaccines by visiting this page. 

Adjuvants are a critical component of vaccines, but they can be an overlooked factor when putting together a vaccine program. The three roles of adjuvants serve in vaccines are creating a danger signal for the host, help the immune system recognize the antigen and to protect the antigen. 

Historically, there has been some skepticism around vaccinating young calves early due to the presence of maternal antibodies. Our guests discuss what role vaccines serve in a calf program while recognizing the importance of colostral immunity and the purpose it serves. Adjuvants can serve an important role in young calves to help with a vaccine-induced immune response. Our guests discuss the METASTIM adjuvant, how it differs from other adjuvants, and the role it plays in boosting immunity even in the face of maternal antibodies. 

Veterinarians play a critical role in developing vaccine programs for their clients' herds. This not only includes ensuring that the appropriate vaccines are selected for the herd, but also making sure that nutrition, specifically vitamin and mineral nutrition, is appropriate, stress is minimized, and vaccine storage and administration is correct. We close the podcast by discussing the future of vaccine and adjuvant technologies that veterinarians should be aware of and how these potential uses can improve cattle health.

Veterinarians can go to https://bi-animalhealth.com/cattle/ or talk to their Boehringer Professional Services Veterinarian for more information.