Health record analysis of one million cattle identifies early prevention as key to reducing feedlot respiratory deaths
New research involving more than 1 million Australian feedlot cattle has found that the strongest predictors of death from bovine respiratory disease (BRD) are established before animals even enter the feedlot, highlighting the importance of preventive measures on source properties.
A groundbreaking study analyzing the health records of over a million Australian feedlot cattle has revealed that preventative measures are crucial in reducing bovine respiratory disease (BRD) mortality rates. Led by researchers from Adelaide University, the investigation, published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine, examined data from 1,040,253 cattle across three feedlots between 2018 and 2024.
The study, the largest of its kind in Australia, found that BRD accounted for nearly 38% of all feedlot cattle deaths, with 69% of these fatalities occurring within the first 60 days of arrival. The most significant risk factors, identified before cattle even enter the feedlot, include a supplier property's history of high BRD mortality and sourcing cattle through auction yards, which pose a substantially higher risk compared to direct paddock sourcing.
Pre-arrival vaccination emerged as an effective preventative strategy, significantly lowering BRD mortality, particularly during the first two months following arrival when cattle are most vulnerable. Additionally, the research highlighted breed-related differences, with Bos indicus and crossbred cattle experiencing lower mortality rates.
The findings underscore the importance of a coordinated effort across the beef supply chain, from breeders to feedlots, to proactively manage and mitigate BRD risks.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
