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
National Pork Producers Council incoming president Rob Brenneman shares insights from the National Pork Industry Forum in Kansas City, where producers gathered to discuss Farm Bill policy, sustainability, and other priorities for the year ahead.
USDA Leaves U.S. Grain Stocks Unchanged, Projects Mixed Livestock Fundamentals in March WASDE Report
USDA’s March WASDE report leaves U.S. corn, soybean and wheat ending stocks unchanged while adjusting global production estimates for South America.
Partnership with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ensures Engineering Excellence and Operational Effectiveness
U.S. Agriculture Faces Mixed Weather, Market Pressures
Co-founders Jeremy and Heather Clark share how Vets to Cowboys helps U.S. veterans build new skills, find community in cattle ranching, and discover new opportunities in agriculture.
Strong consumer demand supports livestock market outlook.
