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Inside the pen: Advancing BRD detection in Canadian feedlots

Pen riders have long been the firewall against feedlot BRD challenges. Recent research and trials attempted to consolidate practical knowledge to create a clinical guide to fine-tune BRD identification and support pen rider training.

April 16, 2026

Bruce Derksen

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains a leading health concern in Canadian feedlots. Currently, pen riders quietly surveying thousands of cattle daily are a feedlot’s main defence against this challenging disease.

Feedlot management strategies to combat winter weather

The needs of feedlot cattle are different in the winter months than during the warmer months. Follow these guidelines to help your cattle be at their most efficient during cold weather events.

December 30, 2024

Jessica L. Sperber

The winter months and routinely low air temperatures present unique challenges for feedlot cattle, particularly in terms of maintaining health and productivity. Cold temperatures, fluctuating weather conditions and increased feed requirements can induce stress in cattle and result in health complications.

Creating a culture of safety in your feedyard

Safety in the feedyard is important, and it all starts with the culture surrounding it. Communicate about safety practices to help manage your feedyard effectively.

February 12, 2024

Athena Ramos

Safety is important. We all know that, but cattle feedyards can be dangerous places to work. In addition to working with cattle, which can be unpredictable, workers use horses and tractors; machinery in the feed mill; trucks, all-terrain and utility-task vehicles and other vehicles; and are exposed to challenging weather conditions.

Early disease detection technologies making steady advancements

Advancements in health technologies can sometimes seem beyond belief. Diseases are being detected well before they’re noticed, even by an experienced eye. While promising, it’s understood that obstacles slowing their progress still exist.

January 5, 2024

Bruce Derksen

Disease is the largest factor negatively affecting beef production and its related profitability. Acute or chronic illness reduces weight gain, feed conversion rates and overall performance. Efficiency losses grow and mortalities increase when disease isn’t handled effectively in a timely manner.

Hospital pen use, design and management in colder climates

The use of designated hospital pens has decreased over the years. But for beef producers using them, their design, positioning and management should remain a priority. The future productivity of sick and compromised cattle hinges on these factors.

November 4, 2022

Bruce Derksen

Cattle producers use a variety of tactics when handling acute or chronically sick animals in cold winter weather. Some pull them for treatment before placing them in a series of designated hospital pens, while others prefer to return almost all to their home pens.