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.
Related Stories
Analysts say drought, tight cattle supplies and summer grilling demand continue shaping the protein market outlook.
Soybeans accounted for nearly half of the $15 billion in losses on U.S. ag exports to China due to tariffs, according to researchers at North Dakota State University.
Industry leaders say restored access is a major step forward, though exports remain well below previous levels.
Changes to several Risk Management Agency programs are set to begin with the 2027 crop year.
Scientists say studying how cattle digest seaweed could help shape future livestock nutrition and sustainability efforts.
Large animal vets say the parasite is now showing up in regions where it historically has not been common.
