Comparison of Observational and Necropsy Derived Diagnosis for Cause of Death for Cattle in Commercial Beef Feedlots

Abstract

Necropsy results are used routinely by feedlots to provide insight into causes of mortality and to provide a surveillance mechanism for emerging diseases. Necropsy also allows for the feedlot to make management decisions regarding events occurring in their cattle population such as digestive problem outbreaks or management decisions in high risk calves. This is an occupational hazard for feedlot employees because they can become injured or be exposed to zoonotic disease while conducting necropsies. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of a pre-necropsy mortality diagnosis made by feedlot personnel to the mortality diagnosis made from necropsy results.