Providing a rest stop during transportation affects the respiratory bacterial microbiota of beef cattle.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a significant health concern in beef cattle production, leading to substantial economic losses. In North America, beef cattle are frequently transported over long distances for placement into feedlots. The respiratory microbiota of cattle, including pathogens, can change after feedlot entry. However, there is limited information on how bacteria are impacted when cattle are offloaded for a rest stop during transportation.

Results

This study investigated the effects of a rest stop during transportation on the nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiota of beef cattle. Two separate trials (N = 80 calves per trial) were conducted with treatment groups assigned to rest stop durations of 12 h (Study 1) and 8 h (Study 2), being compared to control

SUBMITTER: Uddin MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12457343 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature