Beef Cow-calf Herd Biosecurity Practices

Abstract

The literature contains little information on current biosecurity practices of beef cow-calf producers. The cow-calf industry is experiencing an increasingly global marketplace and increasing pressure to minimize antibiotic use and maximize food safety. In this climate, economical biosecurity programs may be an important component of an integrated production management program. Biosecurity programs may be efficiently integrated with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)-like programs to control food quality and safety, and minimize antibiotic use. This analysis is based on a recent survey on the management and biosecurity practices of U.S. beef cow-calf producers. This analysis identifies current biosecurity practices of beef cow-calf producers, management adjustments to biosecurity risks, and opportunities for veterinary intervention to decrease herd disease risk and risk of quality and safety defects.