Why Do Feedlot Cattle Die? - Feedlot researchers warn not to make assumptions in assessing the cause of feedyard mortality

摘要

Most who work in the cattle feeding industry have a good feeling for their cattle's major health problems. It's based on experience, however, and there may be more than meets the eye. This is especially true in light of new diagnostic technologies andemerging pathogens, says Dan Giooms, Michigan State University (MSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. Historically, most surveys support the conclusion that bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the major cause of feedlot cattle death in the U.S. In the Texas Ranch-to-Rail mortality summary from 1997-2000, BRD was cited for more than 50% of cattle deaths; bloat claimed another 20%, Similar results have been reported out of western Canada and Ontario.