01/06/2026

What is the best vaccination choice for cattle during winter weaning, induction, feedlot entry or change of feed? 

Winter in Australia is a high-pressure time for cattle and producers alike. Between weaning, induction, and shifting stock onto winter crops or grain, your animals are under significant physiological stress. To keep them growing and healthy, you need a strategy that covers both clostridial diseases protection and metabolic support.

The Right Fuel for the Engine: Why B12 Matters^2-6

 Think of Vitamin B12 as the "metabolic lubricant" for your cattle. It is essential for turning proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into energy and muscle. 

• Go Long-Acting: Not all B12 is the same. You want hydroxocobalamin, which stays in the system longer than the shorter-acting cyanocobalamin.
• Beat the Winter Stall: Cold weather and feed changes ramp up energy demands. A long-acting B12 boost helps maintain optimum weight gain during these transitions.
• Performance that Lasts: Providing this supplement supports your young stock through the critical 50-day window following weaning.

5 in 1 B12 vs. 7 in 1: Making the Right Choice

A common question for producers is whether to use a 5 in 1 B12 or a 7 in 1 vaccine. The decision rests on your specific production goals and regional risks:

Your Winter Vaccination Game Plan

1. Check the Feed: Moving cattle onto lush winter crops or heavy grain? That’s a massive Pulpy Kidney risk. You need core clostridial protection.

2. Select the Right Coverage: Use a Websters 5 in 1 or 7 in 1 for core protection against Pulpy Kidney, Tetanus, Blackleg, Malignant Oedema, and Black Disease.

3. Boost with Vitamin B12: Ensure your vaccine contains hydroxocobalamin, a longer-acting form of B12 that supports metabolism during high-demand periods like winter weaning.

4. Use the 50-Day Advantage: Websters 5 in 1 B12 vaccine comes with a 50-day broaching claim¹. This means once you open a pack, you have up to 50 days to use the rest. This makes it much easier to hit those essential booster shots 4-6 weeks after the first dose.

5. Protect Your Family: If you're working cattle in wet, muddy winter yards, Leptospirosis is a major zoonotic risk that can infect you and your staff. In this case, use Websters 7 in 1 vaccine.

6. Stay "Immune Ready": When moving stock this winter, make sure your National Cattle Health Declaration is up to date to prove your animals have the best start possible.

The Bottom Line:

For weaning and induction, using Websters 5 in 1 B12 vaccine ensures your cattle have the immunity they need and the metabolic "go" to keep putting on weight through the cold months.

Click here to learn more about Websters 5 in 1 B12. 

Looking for more information and other animal health advice? Find your local Virbac representative or contact your Nutrien branch.

REFERENCES:

1. Refer to registered labels APVMA No. 50632 and APVMA No. 47947.
2. Grace, N. D., et al. (2010). Managing mineral deficiencies in grazing livestock. New Zealand Society of Animal Production (Inc). Hamilton. New Zealand. 
3. Suttle, N. (2022). Mineral Nutrition of Livestock, 5th Edition. CABI, Cambridge. 
4. McDowell, L.R (2000). Vitamin B12. In Vitamins in Animal and Human Nutrition; Iowa State

University Press: Ames, IA, USA, pp. 523–563. 

5. Hosking, W.J., et al. (1986). Trace elements for pastures and animals in Victoria. Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs: Melbourne.
6. Gonzalez-Rivas, P. A., et al. (2021). A pilot study comparing the pharmacokinetics of injectable cyanocobalamin and hydroxocobalamin associated with a trace mineral injection in cattle. JVPT, 44(3), 406-410.

*DISCLAIMER: 

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Information contained in this article has been provided by the manufacturer/ You should not rely on the information in this article, and it should not be considered advice. You should seek professional advice regarding relevant factors specific to your situation. This article does not take into account variable conditions that may impact performance. Always read and follow label directions before using any product in this article. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Nutrien Ag Solutions Limited and its related associated entities will not be liable for any loss or damage suffered by any person arising out of any reliance on any information contained in this article.