Managing Feeder Cattle with Confirmed Lead Exposure

Authors

  • S. L. Checkley Alberta Agriculture and Food, 1st Floor, O.S. Longman Building, 6909 -116 St., Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4P2
  • C. W. Jones Feedlot Health Management Services (FHMS), P.O. Box 140, # 7 - 87 Elizabeth Street, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 2A2
  • J. D. Kendall Alberta Agriculture and Food, 1st Floor, O.S. Longman Building, 6909 -116 St., Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4P2
  • C. W. Booker Feedlot Health Management Services (FHMS), P.O. Box 140, # 7 - 87 Elizabeth Street, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 2A2
  • N. Best Alberta Agriculture and Food, 1st Floor, O.S. Longman Building, 6909 -116 St., Edmonton, Alberta T6H 4P2
  • G. K. Jim Feedlot Health Management Services (FHMS), P.O. Box 140, # 7 - 87 Elizabeth Street, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 2A2

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20074516

Keywords:

feedlot, contaminated feed, lead, lead exposure, blood lead concentration, Liver biopsies, diaphragm

Abstract

A commercial feedlot unknowingly fed lead contaminated feed to a portion of cattle in the feedyard. Due to the lack of data and regulations concerning how to manage the exposed animals, a proactive field study was developed to collect information that would help mitigate food safety and economic losses in this and other similar situations. After conducting an investigation into the scale of lead exposure in the feedlot, cattle found to have elevated blood lead concentrations were enrolled into the study. The objectives of this study were to collect data on blood and tissue lead concentrations over a number of months post-exposure. This information would then be used to describe lead concentrations and correlations in blood and tissues over time. Liver biopsies and diaphragm were also evaluated, and production losses were examined.

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Published

2007-09-20

Issue

Section

Beef Sessions

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