Bovine respiratory disease is still a serious threat to the economics of beef production accounting for $800 to 900 million in losses from death loss, treatment cost, and reduced production, writes Paul Beck. Better antibiotics, better genetics and better feeding practices help, but BRD seems to hit the best cattle in the later days of finishing, including those from preconditioning programs.
Source: BEEF, March 28, 2022. Link. Data from a study of SW Kansas feedlot cattle has researchers touting expanded research to identify potential causes of BRD morbidity during the mid to late finishing period.
The beef industry must work collaboratively to better understand the health issue and potential implications up and down the supply chain.”