Weaning, shipping, and commingling are some of the greatest stressors for calves during the beef production chain. Feedlots and stocker operations know all too well the impact these stressors have on animal health and performance. Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex is strongly associated with these stressors leading to increased morbidity and decreased feed intake and growth.
Stress and the ensuing increase in the stress hormone cortisol have negative effects on immune function and the ability of calves to combat BRD pathogens. Calves undergoing stress during weaning and shipping to a new location have elevated cortisol levels resulting in immunosuppression.
April 16, 2024
