Respiratory diseases of feedlot cattle in central USA

Abstract

Cattle feedlots are concentrated in the central plains of the USA near areas of high grain production and slaughter plants. Cattle that are brought into these feedlots are generally young animals from six months to twelve months of age. Average morbidity rates are about 8% and mortality rates are under 1% during the feeding period. Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), is the most common disease of feedlot cattle causing about 75% of the morbidity and over 50% of the mortality. BRD is also known as "shipping fever" since it occurs soon after the cattle arrive in the feedlot and the stress from shipping is considered to be one of the major factors in producing the disease. Reducing the expense of this disease complex is considered to be very worthwhile. Many preventive steps can be taken to reduce the calves' exposure and minimize shipping stress.