How Bovine Respiratory Disease Continues to Impact Feedlot Performance

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) remains the most common and costly health issue in North American feedlots. Often called “shipping fever,” it continues to affect performance, increase treatment costs, and reduce overall profitability.

In some operations, BRD accounts for up to 80 per cent of illness cases and as much as 75 per cent of deaths.

Even when cattle recover, the impact doesn’t end there. BRD can reduce average daily gain, lower feed efficiency, and create inconsistent pen performance.

The Highest Risk Starts at Arrival

The first few weeks after arrival are the most critical.

During this period, cattle face multiple stressors at once:

• transport
• commingling
• diet changes
• weather shifts

These pressures weaken immunity and create the conditions for BRD to develop quickly.

While early cases are most common, BRD can also appear later in the feeding period. These cases are often harder to detect and may have a longer-term impact on performance.

Early Detection Drives Results

Timely identification is one of the biggest factors in limiting losses.

Feedlot staff often look for:

• reduced feed intake
• isolation from the group
• coughing or nasal discharge
• fever

Many operations use body temperature as a key trigger for treatment. Acting early helps prevent more severe illness and reduces the risk of poor treatment outcomes.

Sourcing and Management Set the Stage

BRD risk often begins before cattle arrive at the feedlot.

Lower risk is typically seen when:

• cattle are sourced directly from cow-calf producers
• calves are preconditioned before arrival
• groups are kept intact rather than re-sorted

In contrast, commingling cattle from multiple sources—especially through auction markets—can increase disease pressure.

Cattle quality also plays a role. Lighter weight, stressed, or unvaccinated calves are generally at higher risk.

Prevention and Treatment Go Hand in Hand

Most feedlots rely on a combination of strategies to manage BRD:

• vaccination protocols
• nutrition and bunk management
• low-stress handling
• proper ventilation and bedding

For high-risk cattle, metaphylaxis may be used to help control disease early.

When BRD occurs, antibiotic treatment remains a key tool. However, success depends on early detection, accurate diagnosis, and working closely with a veterinarian.

The Bottom Line for Feedlots

BRD continues to be a major driver of variability in feedlot performance.

Its impact shows up in:

• reduced gains
• higher treatment costs
• increased labour
• mortality losses

For feedlot operators, managing BRD is not just about treating sick cattle—it’s about controlling risk from arrival through to finish.

Strong sourcing decisions, low-stress management, and early detection remain the most effective tools for keeping cattle healthy and performance on track.