Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex, also called shipping fever, is the leading cause of morbidity (sickness) and mortality (death) in the beef industry, based on the report of the 2011 National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS).

Weaning is the process of separating the calf from its dam and is an essential procedure for any cattle operation to be profitable. However, it is also the most stressful time period in the life of a calf.

Producing and raising calves is a very important aspect of managing a cow-calf operation. The number of calves weaned and sold relative to the number of cows in the herd determine the success and profitability of a ranch.

We are in the fall run, the busiest time of the year for American and Canadian feedlots. Thousands of calves are entering the production system and will become, in just a few months, wholesome and healthy beef.

Calving time is quickly approaching, and hopefully all cattlemen are having a trouble-free season. However, you want to be prepared for the challenges associated with calving. Most calving difficulties are observed in heifers versus cows.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex is one of the most common diseases observed in feedlot cattle in the U.S. The USDA’s National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) feedlot data from 2011 estimated that an average of $23.60 per case was spent to treat diseased cattle.

As was the case last year, the drier than normal 2012-2013 winter is likely to translate into a particularly bad pinkeye season.