Development of a health index using an automated, chute-side blood leukocyte differential to guide antibiotic treatment at processing

Authors

  • M. E. Hockett Advanced Animal Diagnostics, Morrisville, NC 27560
  • A. M. Saxon Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996
  • K. L. Lukasiewicz Production Animal Consultation, Oakley, KS 67748
  • S. P. Terrell Production Animal Consultation, Oakley, KS 67748
  • J. A. Valles Production Animal Consultation, Oakley, KS 67748

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20173381

Keywords:

antibiotics, animal welfare, blood leukocyte, performance, gain, selective treatment, metaphylaxis

Abstract

Antibiotics play an important role in the health and welfare of livestock, but their use is under intense scrutiny. A recent feedlot trial examined the use of a chute-side, automated blood leukocyte differential (QScout BLD) to guide selective antibiotic treatment at processing. One objective was to develop an index that is predictive of performance (average daily gain and morbidity). The second objective was to determine the impact of selective treatment vs metaphylaxis at processing.

Cover image of the 50th Conference Proceedings: Text of "AABP Annual Conference" with the AABP logo superimposed over an interlocking 50. Yellow background.

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Published

2017-09-14

Issue

2017

Section

Posters

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