Minimizing the number of origins in batches of weaned calves to reduce their risks of developing bovine respiratory diseases.

ABSTRACT: Bovine respiratory diseases (BRD) are a major concern for the beef cattle industry, as beef calves overwhelmingly develop BRD symptoms during the first weeks after their arrival at fattening units. These cases occur after weaned calves from various cow-calf producers are grouped into batches to be sold to fatteners. Cross-contaminations between calves from different origins (potentially carrying different pathogens), together with increased stress because of the process of batch creation, can increase their risks of developing BRD symptoms. This study investigated whether reducing the number of different origins per batch is a strategy to reduce the risk of BRD cases. We developed an algorithm aimed at creating batches with as few origins as possible, while respecting constraints on the nu

SUBMITTER: Morel-Journel T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7792323 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature