Bovine Respiratory Disease is common in the United States with more than 90 percent of large feedlots reporting it as the most frequent ailment, and researchers say changes in beef production are largely to blame.
Beef specialists with Elanco Animal Health say growth rates have increased as they have seen 700-pound steers at just 7 months old. They note the immune system reacts differently with that kind of growth.
In 2010, finishing weights were about 1,300 pounds, and today, they are averaging 1,600 pounds, but lung capacity has stayed the same.
They urge producers to take action upon the first signs of BRD and check on newly weaned calves twice a day.
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Tight cattle supplies should keep beef prices supported, while dairy, pork, and poultry are poised for greater production growth.
China’s pledge is supportive, but producers need confirmed sales and shipments before counting it as stronger export demand.
Cattle producers met with lawmakers to discuss the issues continuing to impact ranchers across the country.
Founder Jon Mollhagen says automation continues playing a larger role in reducing labor demands and animal stress.
The Meat Institute says meat sales reached a record $112 billion last year as protein demand remained strong nationwide.
The Livestock Conservancy says protecting rare breeds helps preserve genetic diversity and long-term agricultural resilience.
