Why was the study done?
The objective was to evaluate the profitability of two vaccines against M. haemolytica by studying production parameters in a lamb feedlot.
The parameters compared were: average daily gain (ADG), mortality, feed conversion rate (FCR) and number of animals in the sick pen.
How was it done?
The study was conducted in a lamb feedlot in Baza, in the south of Spain. A total of 440 lambs with an average weight of 25 kg upon entering the feedlot were included, and they were separated into two groups:
– Group A: vaccinated with a leukotoxoid-based vaccine (Pasterbact®).
– Group B: vaccinated with a M. haemolytica bacterin-based vaccine (vaccine B).
The study lasted 76 days and the following were recorded:
– average weight of each group every 10-11 days
– number of animals in the sick pen
– number of deaths
In addition, the return on investment (ROI) of Pasterbact® was calculated.
Results obtained
![](https://aboutsmallruminants.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pasterbact_EN_1.png)
The results showed a higher final average weight and average daily gain in Group A. Regarding the feed conversion rate, it was lower in this group than in group B.
![](https://aboutsmallruminants.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pasterbact_EN_2.png)
The group vaccinated with Pasterbact® showed better production parameters.
![](https://aboutsmallruminants.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Pasterbact_EN_3.png)
Regarding morbidity and mortality, the Pasterbact® vaccine demonstrated a reduction of 12% and 50%, respectively, compared to vaccine B.
![](https://aboutsmallruminants.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Pasterbact_EN_4-1024x756.png)
Finally, the economic study taking into account the extra cost of Pasterbact®, resulted in an ROI of 1:10.7.
What can we conclude?
With the Pasterbact® vaccine, based on leukotoxoid, we can obtain:
– Better production parameters (ADG, FCR)
– Better lamb health
– Better profitability
Pasterbact® has been shown to reduce the impact of ORC in lamb feedlots
Article written by:
Tania Peralvarez Puerta. Global Product Manager, Small Ruminants Franchise – HIPRA