4Maintain a good herd health program. This especially so if it's needed. A herd health program is especially imperative if you are purchasing cattle and bringing them into your herd, because these new cattle could be carriers of disease that may affect your current herd. It's also important if you are raising them in an area where disease and illness tends to be prevalent, such as confined in a barn or out on a dirt lot, or feeding them feed, like grain, that tends to cause problems.