Bovine respiratory disease remains the costliest disease in the U.S. cattle industry. Despite research and years of work trying to manage for the disease, the industry struggles to address it. Rhonda Brooks, Bovine Practitioner editor, assembled experts to offer seven ways to help manage BRD.
Source: Bovine Veterinarian, August 25, 2022. Link. Here are seven factors – from the farm to the feedlot – that contribute to BRD as well as some recommendations from veterinarians, Drs. Grant and Mike Apley, respectively, and Extension nutritionist Paul Beck.
- Be aware of the knowledge and experience level of farm and feedlot employees.
- Know the origin of the cattle, their genetics and how they were managed prior to your client taking possession of them.
- Educate cow/calf producers about the value of a preconditioning program.
INSIGHTS: This list is a good reminder that the basics matter a lot. Note the comments about today’s lack of experience of feedlot employees and the importance of having a written protocol to determine treatment eligibility criteria and drug regimens.