Managing Feeder Cattle with Confirmed Lead Exposure

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.