The changing impact of economics on managing bovine respiratory disease complex in feedlot cattle

The cattle market has set year-over-year record high prices since 2009. The increasing value of cattle has substantially increased the financial risk of feeding cattle, and has commensurately increased the economic losses from disease. As cattle feeding profitability continues to be challenged by the low margin between selling prices and operating costs, all facets of cattle feeding are being evaluated to improve efficiency. Better disease management is an area where economic efficiencies can be gained. Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is widely cited as the most costly disease of beef cattle in North America. Management tools and efforts need to be reexamined, and new tools developed, to reduce BRDC economic losses. This paper reviews cattle feeding financial risk and recent economic implications from the Integrated Program for Reducing Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex in Beef and Dairy Cattle Coordinated Agricultural Project.