News
November 25, 2025
Preparing healthy feedlot cattle – the respiratory advantage
As the Australian beef industry shifts towards more feedlotting, ensuring young cattle arrive healthy and resilient is essential for optimal productivity and animal ...
Australian beef producers are increasingly turning to feedlots to meet growing demand, but this shift presents unique challenges. One of the most significant is ensuring that young cattle arrive at the feedlot in optimal health, ready to thrive in their new environment. A healthy start, particularly a robust respiratory system, is proving to be a critical factor in maximizing productivity and animal wellbeing within the feedlot system.
The transition to feedlot life can be stressful for young cattle. They are often transported over long distances, exposed to new pathogens, and subjected to a different diet and social structure. This combination of stressors can significantly weaken their immune systems, making them highly susceptible to Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), a complex and costly illness that impacts feedlot profitability.
BRD, often referred to as pneumonia in cattle, is a major concern for feedlot operators. It not only leads to reduced weight gain and decreased feed efficiency, but also necessitates costly veterinary intervention with antibiotics, and in severe cases, can result in animal mortality. Preventing BRD, therefore, is paramount.
Industry experts emphasize the importance of proactive management strategies implemented *before* cattle even arrive at the feedlot. These strategies focus on building a strong foundation of health, with particular attention to the respiratory system. Pre-conditioning programs, often implemented on the cattle's farm of origin, are gaining traction. These programs involve vaccinations against common respiratory pathogens, strategic deworming, and ensuring adequate nutrition to bolster the animal's immune defenses.
Furthermore, minimizing stress during weaning and transportation is crucial. This includes providing access to high-quality feed and water, handling cattle gently, and avoiding overcrowding. By addressing these factors, producers can significantly reduce the risk of BRD outbreaks in feedlots and pave the way for healthier, more productive cattle. The focus on respiratory health as a cornerstone of pre-feedlot preparation is seen as an investment that pays dividends in terms of improved animal welfare, reduced treatment costs, and enhanced profitability for the entire beef supply chain.
The transition to feedlot life can be stressful for young cattle. They are often transported over long distances, exposed to new pathogens, and subjected to a different diet and social structure. This combination of stressors can significantly weaken their immune systems, making them highly susceptible to Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), a complex and costly illness that impacts feedlot profitability.
BRD, often referred to as pneumonia in cattle, is a major concern for feedlot operators. It not only leads to reduced weight gain and decreased feed efficiency, but also necessitates costly veterinary intervention with antibiotics, and in severe cases, can result in animal mortality. Preventing BRD, therefore, is paramount.
Industry experts emphasize the importance of proactive management strategies implemented *before* cattle even arrive at the feedlot. These strategies focus on building a strong foundation of health, with particular attention to the respiratory system. Pre-conditioning programs, often implemented on the cattle's farm of origin, are gaining traction. These programs involve vaccinations against common respiratory pathogens, strategic deworming, and ensuring adequate nutrition to bolster the animal's immune defenses.
Furthermore, minimizing stress during weaning and transportation is crucial. This includes providing access to high-quality feed and water, handling cattle gently, and avoiding overcrowding. By addressing these factors, producers can significantly reduce the risk of BRD outbreaks in feedlots and pave the way for healthier, more productive cattle. The focus on respiratory health as a cornerstone of pre-feedlot preparation is seen as an investment that pays dividends in terms of improved animal welfare, reduced treatment costs, and enhanced profitability for the entire beef supply chain.
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