Care of Newly Purchased Feeder Cattle
Care of Newly Purchased Feeder Cattle
Bonnard L. Moseley, DVM
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia
Homer B. Sewell
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia
________________________________________
The way cattle are handled shortly before loading, during hauling, and the first two weeks in the feedlot has a great influence on the overall performance of feedlot cattle. There is no one program that will give best results for all feeder cattle, nor will the same results occur each year. "Cattle sense" is developed by close observation and experience.
Keep records on each bunch of cattle. These records will be useful in helping you provide the most practical and economical program for the next group of incoming cattle. Develop a program that fits your operation and area.
Post mortem examinations are worthwhile in ascertaining problems. The results should be considered for future health and management programs.
The following are general guidelines that should be helpful to you in deciding how to handle newly purchased feeder cattle.
Considerations before purchase
1. Disease and parasite problems are more apt to occur, and with greater severity, in calves under 400 pounds.
2. Bunching of cattle from several groups is conducive to the introduction and spread of diseases and parasites.
3. Preconditioned calves usually are less likely to develop disease.
4. If possible, secure a history of vaccinations and other pertinent information on cattle that are to be purchased.
5. Avoid purchasing sick calves or those exposed to sick cattle.
Reducing stress from shipment
1. If there is any doubt about the health of cattle, take the body temperature prior to loading. It is more economical to treat feverish cattle and to delay shipment.
2. Insist that cattle are assembled and held for shipment for the shortest period of time possible.
3. Avoid overcrowding cattle during hauling. Overcrowding creates
Bonnard L. Moseley, DVM
College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia
Homer B. Sewell
Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia
________________________________________
The way cattle are handled shortly before loading, during hauling, and the first two weeks in the feedlot has a great influence on the overall performance of feedlot cattle. There is no one program that will give best results for all feeder cattle, nor will the same results occur each year. "Cattle sense" is developed by close observation and experience.
Keep records on each bunch of cattle. These records will be useful in helping you provide the most practical and economical program for the next group of incoming cattle. Develop a program that fits your operation and area.
Post mortem examinations are worthwhile in ascertaining problems. The results should be considered for future health and management programs.
The following are general guidelines that should be helpful to you in deciding how to handle newly purchased feeder cattle.
Considerations before purchase
1. Disease and parasite problems are more apt to occur, and with greater severity, in calves under 400 pounds.
2. Bunching of cattle from several groups is conducive to the introduction and spread of diseases and parasites.
3. Preconditioned calves usually are less likely to develop disease.
4. If possible, secure a history of vaccinations and other pertinent information on cattle that are to be purchased.
5. Avoid purchasing sick calves or those exposed to sick cattle.
Reducing stress from shipment
1. If there is any doubt about the health of cattle, take the body temperature prior to loading. It is more economical to treat feverish cattle and to delay shipment.
2. Insist that cattle are assembled and held for shipment for the shortest period of time possible.
3. Avoid overcrowding cattle during hauling. Overcrowding creates