Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is the top infectious killer in beef calves worldwide, often called "shipping fever." Today, leading vets share seven critical on-farm practices to prevent and control BRD in pre-weaned and newly weaned calves.

1. Pre-conditioning & Stress Reduction
   Extending pre-conditioning to 60-75 days, including weaning stress management, bunk training, castration, and tailored vaccinations, helps calves build resilience before entering feedlots.

2. Segregation by Cohorts
   Limit commingling by grouping calves-by age, sex, or arrival date-to reduce pathogen transmission.

3. Priority Nutrition & Hydration
   Upon arrival, ensure calves get ample clean water, high-quality hay, and energy-dense concentrates to support immune function.

   

4. Written Case Protocols & Scoring Systems
   Use a 0-4 scoring scale (assessing depression, respiratory effort, rumen fill, discharge) tied to established chute-side criteria (e.g., fever >103.5°F) to guide treatment.

5. Strategic Antimicrobials & NSAIDs
   Develop antibiotic use plans with first- and second-line agents, consider NSAID use for pain and fever relief-but avoid unnecessary adjuncts lacking scientific support.

6. Defined Post-Treatment Intervals (PTI)
   A 7-day PTI gives time to evaluate recovery; calves not improving should be moved to isolation or humanely euthanized.

7. Enhanced Diagnostics & On-Farm Monitoring
   While post-mortem necropsy is valued, invest in chute-side tools-rectal temperature, feed intake tracking, lung ultrasonography-to detect disease early.

Why This Matters

• Animal Welfare & Productivity: Early detection and treatment improve calf comfort, weight gain, and reduce mortality.

• Antimicrobial Stewardship: Emphasizing accurate diagnosis, structured treatment plans, and appropriate PTI helps curb antibiotic resistance.

• Operational Efficiency: Structured protocols and training ensure consistent care across staff and facilities.

Adopting these seven management measures-from extended on-farm preconditioning to systematic monitoring and pain management-can significantly reduce BRD impact, safeguard calf health, and enhance farm sustainability.