Core Testing Regimen for Cattle in Central Texas

Test Timing Why It's Important Testing Frequency
Brucellosis Testing Before sale/transport Required for interstate movement and sales Annual and before transport
BVD Antibody Testing Pre-breeding Identifies exposure to this reproductive disease Annual for breeding stock
Anaplasmosis Testing Summer (tick season) Critical tick-borne disease in Central Texas Annual in endemic areas
Leptospirosis Testing Spring/Fall Prevents reproductive losses Annual for breeding herds
Fecal Egg Count Seasonal (Spring/Fall) Quantifies parasite burden and identifies parasite types Every 3-4 months
Pregnancy Testing 30+ days post-breeding Confirms conception, allows for management planning After breeding
Johne's ELISA Test Before purchase & annually Detects antibodies for this chronic wasting disease Annual for breeding herd
BVD-PI Ear Notch Test At birth or purchase Identifies persistently infected animals using ear tissue Once for each animal
California Mastitis Test During lactation (dairy) Detects subclinical mastitis by measuring somatic cell response First week after calving, every 2 to 4 weeks, as needed
Blood Mineral Panel Late fall/winter Measures serum levels of copper, selenium, zinc, manganese Annually

Seasonal Testing Calendar for Central Texas

Spring (March-May)

  • Fecal Egg Count: Before spring grass growth
  • BVD-PI Test: For new calves

Summer (June-August)

  • Anaplasmosis PCR Test: During peak tick season
  • Heat Stress Indicators: Blood cortisol and electrolyte levels
  • Fecal Egg Count Follow-up: After spring treatments
  • California Mastitis Test: Higher risk during heat

Fall (September-November)

  • Fecal Egg Count: Before winter
  • Johne's ELISA Test: Annual herd check
  • Liver Fluke Fecal Test: Especially in wet areas

Winter (December-February)

  • Blood Mineral Panel: Copper, selenium, zinc levels
  • BVD Antibody Test: In calves
  • Complete Blood Count and Chemistry: Full health assessment

As Needed

  • Blood Pregnancy Verification: For recently bred cows and heifers, 30+ days post-breeding.
  • Palpation Pregnancy Verification: For cows and heifers bred 4 months or older.
  • Ketosis Blood/Urine Test: For fresh cow with symptoms

Benefits of Regular Testing Services

  • Early Disease Detection
    • Catch issues before visible symptoms appear
    • Reduce treatment costs through early intervention
    • Prevent spread to other animals
  • Improved Production Metrics
    • Higher pregnancy rates
    • Better growth and weight gain
    • Increased milk production
    • Lower mortality rates
  • Economic Benefits
    • Reduced treatment costs
    • Lower calf mortality
    • Improved feed conversion
    • Higher-value breeding stock
    • Premium prices for verified healthy animals
  • Stress Reduction
    • Professional collection reduces animal stress
    • Accurate sample handling ensures reliable results
    • Consistent scheduling prevents missed tests

Testing Considerations Specific to Central Texas

  • Fever Tick Risk Management
    • Proximity to Mexico border increases risk
    • Regular inspection needed in at-risk areas
    • Early detection prevents quarantine situations
  • Heat Stress Monitoring
    • Central Texas heat affects immune function
    • Amplifies impact of subclinical conditions
    • May require more frequent monitoring in summer
  • Regional Disease Risks
    • Anaplasmosis: Higher in tick-prevalent areas
    • Liver flukes: Common east of I-35
    • Bluetongue: Seasonal risk in late summer/early fall
  • Drought Implications
    • Increased mineral deficiencies
    • Concentrated parasites at water sources
    • Higher toxicity risks from plants

When Testing is Most Critical

  • Prior to Purchase
    • Complete health screening prevents new diseases
    • Verification of reproductive status
    • Identification of genetic conditions
  • Before Breeding Season
    • Reproductive health assessment
    • Disease screening to prevent reproductive impacts
    • Nutritional status evaluation
  • Post-Calving
    • Metabolic disease monitoring
    • Reproductive tract health
    • Colostrum quality assessment
  • Before Sale
    • Documentation increases value
    • Meets buyer requirements
    • Reduces liability concerns

Regulatory Requirements

  • Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Requirements
    • Fever tick inspection in at-risk areas
    • Trichomoniasis testing for breeding bulls
    • Brucellosis and tuberculosis for certain movements
  • Interstate Movement
    • Health certificates require specific tests
    • Requirements vary by destination state
    • Documentation must be current (typically 30 days)
  • Show/Exhibition Requirements
    • Often more stringent than commercial requirements
    • May include additional tests beyond regulatory minimum
    • Usually require veterinary certification

Record-Keeping Recommendations

Maintain comprehensive records of:

  • Test dates and results
  • Animal IDs and descriptions
  • Treatments administered
  • Follow-up testing schedules
  • Health certificates and regulatory documents

Industry Standards and Certification Programs

  • Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)
    • Recommended testing protocols
    • Documentation standards
    • Training for handling and collection
  • Texas A&M Verified Healthy Herd Program
    • Testing guidelines by production type
    • Record-keeping systems
    • Marketing advantages
  • Organic/Natural Production Standards
    • Testing requirements for certification
    • Alternative treatment documentation
    • Withdrawal period verification

This guide outlines the essential health testing needs for cattle in Central Texas.

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Homestead Herds can help you keep your cattle tested. Consider one of our care plans that includes health testing.