Rear Leg Lameness in Feedlot Cattle

Abstract

Feedyard lameness has an economic impact on both the producer and the packer. Rear leg disorders can be particularly troublesome. In cases not amenable to treatment, or those that fail to respond, salvage is a viable economic alternative. However, drug and vaccine withdrawals can preclude this option for a period of time during which the animal continues to lose weight and value. If the discomfort associated with the lameness can be reduced the animal will continue to eat and weight loss will be minimized or a weight gain can be realized. With this in mind we have attempted to develop some different strategies to reduce the discomfort and stay within certain economic limits.