Production and Financial Losses Associated with Preweaning Disease in Beef Cattle

Authors

  • Dewell G. A. University of Nebraska, Lincoln Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center
  • L. L. Hungerford University of Nebraska, Lincoln Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center
  • R. D. Dewell University of Nebraska, Lincoln Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center
  • W. W. Laegreid USDA:Meat Animal Research Center Clay Center, NE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20015238

Keywords:

treatment cost, preweaning pneumonia, treatment, weight loss, percentage death loss, labor, preventive health program

Abstract

Cost of preweaning pneumonia was calculated from the treatment cost ($6.02), calf price ($0.83/lb), morbidity rate (5.6 %), case fatality rate (6.0 %), and medium- weight calf loss (20.69 lbs-9.4 kg). Cost per case was $6.02 (treatment), $17.17 (weight loss) and $27.27 (percentage death loss) for a total of $50.46, not including labor. More importantly, this equates to a $2.83 per-calf cost for pneumonia, which can be used to determine the value of a preventive health program.

Cover image of the 34th Conference Proceedings: Four men on horseback lead a single cow through a pen. Yellow background.

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Published

2001-09-13

Issue

2001

Section

Posters