Descriptive Epidemiology of Chronic Disease of Calves in a Western Canadian Feedlot

Authors

  • C. M. Pollock Dept of Herd Medicine and Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, CANADA
  • J. R. Campbell Dept of Herd Medicine and Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, CANADA
  • E. D. Janzen Dept of Herd Medicine and Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, CANADA
  • K. West Prairie Diagnostic Services, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, CANADA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20005394

Keywords:

antibiotic therapy, chronic disease, morbidity, days on feed, weight change, bovine virus diarrhea virus, Mycoplasma bovis

Abstract

A pattern of chronic disease has been recognized in fall-placed, weaned beef calves in western Canadian feedlots. Affected calves become "non-responders" to antibiotic therapy, with weight loss, chronic pyrexia and/or lameness. These calves are moved to a chronic pen for a period of convalescence. This study is describes this pattern of chronic disease in terms of morbidity, days on feed, weight change, and mortality. Its second objective is to determine the association between bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV) and Mycoplasma bovis infection and chronic pneumonia and/or polyarthritis in feedlot calves.

Cover image of the 33rd Conference Proceedings: Cattle and calves standing in a field of wildflowers, gazing curiously at the photographer. Yellow background.

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Published

2000-09-21

Issue

2000

Section

Research Summaries 3