Overview of the North American beef cattle industry and the incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD)

Abstract

The North American beef cattle industry has endured many changes throughout the years but is encountering some of the most dramatic challenges in history during the first decade of the 21st century. The US beef cattle inventory increased from 1990 to a high of 103.5 million in 1996 and since has declined to a low of 94.5 million on 1 January 2009. Even though economic signals have encouraged the cow herd to increase over the last 5 years, a significant decrease occurred during 2008. It is difficult to determine the precise cost of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) to the industry but it is reported to be greater than US$500 million per year. Data from our practice indicate that losses from BRD over the last 18 years have been characterized by 5-year cycles of decreases and increases. Perhaps it is time for the industry to look for ways to reduce death loss by methods that focus on the animal's response to the pathogens instead of continuing to focus on the pathogens.

Use of Antimicrobial Metaphylaxis for the Control of Bovine Respiratory Disease in High-Risk Cattle

“…12 Frequently advocated interventions in newly received feedlot cattle, such as vaccination against viruses or bacterial pathogens and nutritional manipulations, have been shown to have limited impact on the incidence of BRD. 8,13 However, the use of antimicrobial metaphylaxis upon feedlot arrival to cattle considered at high risk for development of clinical BRD signs has consistently been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality.…”

Associations between prior management of cattle and risk of bovine respiratory disease in feedlot cattle

“…Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the major cause of clinical disease and death in feedlot cattle, both in Australia (Sackett et al, 2006) and elsewhere (Miles, 2009). BRD actually comprises a heterogeneous complex of diseases involving the respiratory system of cattle.…”

Impact of oral meloxicam on circulating physiological biomarkers of stress and inflammation in beef steers after long-distance transportation1

“…Immunosuppression after transportation predisposes calves to developing bovine respiratory disease (BRD), which commonly occurs in the first 45 d of arrival and is associated with 65 to 80% morbidity and 35 to 55% mortality (Cernicchiaro et al, 2012;Edwards, 1996;Speer et al, 2001). Bovine respiratory disease is estimated to cost the beef industry US$500 million annually (Miles, 2009). Therefore, even a modest reduction in stress after transportation could have a significant economic benefit for livestock producers (Speer et al, 2001).…”