Determining points of leverage to combat respiratory disease outbreaks in cattle
At a glance
- Despite significant changes in genetics and the introduction of antibiotics, the trend line for respiratory diseases continues to rise.
- Having a well-executed plan that includes good animal husbandry, solid nutrition, strong vaccination protocols, strategic treatment and efficient growth strategies is essential for effectively managing respiratory disease risk.
- Points of leverage can be defined as small adjustments within a complex system that can yield significant improvements. These points of leverage can increase the calf’s ability to resist disease when exposed or infected to a microbe with pathogenic potential.
- Smaller cattle populations and pen sizes can reduce the probability of pathogen exposure, in turn, reducing the risk of disease transmission.
The struggle against Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) in cattle has a long history. Despite significant changes in genetics and the introduction of new antibiotics, the trend line for respiratory diseases has continued to rise for the last 25 years. Dr. Brett Terhaar, DVM, beef technical consultant for Elanco says the battle against BRD requires a multifaceted approach.
“When it comes to BRD risk, one crucial factor is understanding the unique challenges posed by cattle's physiology,” says Terhaar. “Calves have relatively small lung capacities compared to their oxygen requirements. Due to their small lung capacities, when pathogens colonize, disease progression can be rapid. These calves can get what we call ‘knockout lung lesions’ in as little as 36 hours.”
Knowing this, Dr. Terhaar emphasizes the importance of identifying sick calves at the earliest stage of disease.
“It can be extremely beneficial to walk the pens of freshly weaned calves twice a day to make sure calves are coming up to the bunk, getting feed and acting normal,” he says. “Key symptoms to watch for include runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, drooping ears and anorexia, causing a lack of rumen fill.” He adds that early detection and intervention offer a higher recovery rate.
To effectively manage respiratory risks, a well-executed plan is essential. This includes:
- Animal husbandry and management: Use low-stress handling techniques and provide comfortable living conditions with adequate bedding and stocking density.
- Solid nutrition: Ensure cattle receive the necessary nutrients, protein in particular, to support their immune system throughout the weaning and transition process.
- Strong vaccination protocols: Implement a well-planned vaccination program to mitigate the effects of BRD and other illnesses.
- Strategic treatment: Keep two antibiotics of different classes on hand and treat cattle at the earliest signs of disease.
- Accelerated gain: Utilize efficient growth strategies, like the use of implants, to maximize returns on investment.
Dr. Terhaar recommends categorizing calves into risk groups, particularly for purchased calves. “High-risk calves are likely not vaccinated, haven’t been preconditioned and are commingled, whereas low risk have been preconditioned and vaccinated. This differentiation is crucial, given the dynamics of disease spread and recovery,” he says.
Determining points of leverage to improve cattle health
Dr. John Groves, veterinarian and owner of Livestock Veterinary Services in Eldon, Missouri, says improving the health and wellness of calves within a complex system can be done by determining points of leverage.
“When I was a young practitioner, I focused on treating one animal at a time. As my practice evolved, I started thinking of the individual animal as part of a population. Now, I approach it systematically,” says Groves, recounting his years in the field.
Points of leverage can be defined as small adjustments within a complex system that can yield significant improvements. These points of leverage can increase the calf’s ability to resist disease when exposed to or infected with a microbe with pathogenic potential.
In addition to reducing stress through the meticulous management of animals, biosecurity and biocontainment allow producers to understand and control how diseases spread through cattle populations and adjust the system's structure to limit epidemics' impacts.
To illustrate this to cattle feeders, Dr. Groves introduces and runs a disease model that simulates how disease can occur in an operation. The model classifies cattle into three categories: naïve (non-immune), infected (potentially shedding) and recovered (immune). The simulation shows disease dynamics and the likelihood and rate of disease transmission among newly introduced cattle.
Pen size and population
Dr. Groves recommends developing a penning plan. The plan should outline where new cattle will be placed, pen size and how long it will take to populate each pen. This plan can be used to determine how you can utilize space and time to lower the rate at which disease outbreaks occur in your operation.
While it may make you scratch your head, Dr. Groves’ data shows keeping new cattle away from cattle pens that have been on-site the longest can result in fewer respiratory outbreaks. Additionally, smaller pen sizes reduce the probability of exposure, in turn, reducing the risk of disease transmission, making this a high-leverage strategy for cattle health management.
Shifting the burden
“Today, I have a better understanding of the importance of addressing fundamental issues like pen size and management,” says Groves. “Although they yield positive results, when there is a fundamental issue, there is not a quick fix. It takes a lot of time, effort and resources to accomplish.”
Dr. Groves introduced the concept of "shifting the burden." He explains how focusing primarily on short-term tactics, such as antimicrobials and vaccines, can hinder efforts to address the more long-term, fundamental issues. To further illustrate this, he refers to a sinking boat.
“We often find ourselves in a situation where we’re on the lake and all we can do is bail water, we don’t have the time or resources to patch the hole,” Groves explains. “But, long term, to properly use the boat again, the leaky hole will need to be patched. The same goes for mitigating respiratory disease in cattle. Are you going to patch the hole for long-term success?”
To learn more about how you can stay one step ahead of respiratory disease, talk with your herd veterinarian or Elanco representative today.
