Commentary
Cattle science continues to study ways to decrease morbidity, mortality and reduce use of antiinfectives as cattle move around the country. The study referenced reinforces the value of preconditioning and addresses the effects of comingling auction-derived calves with the preconditioned ones.
Preconditioning reduced BRD and antimicrobial use in the feedlot, in commingling or non-commingling settings. Preconditioned calves consistently performed better than auction-derived calves, irrespective of commingling.
Source: Frontiers in Veterinary Science, March 17, 2023. Link.
INSIGHTS: Studies like this support the credibility of veterinarians’ recommendations and provide an opportunity to discuss the value of preconditioning with cow-calf operators and cattle auction personnel alike.