How to Recognize Early Signs of Respiratory Disease in Feedlot Cattle

You catch most respiratory cases early by walking pens at the same time each morning and noting which animals skip the bunk or lag behind the group.

Check Feed Intake First

Feed disappearance tells you a lot before any animal looks sick. Walk the bunks and count untouched or half-eaten spots.

• A steer that normally finishes its ration but leaves 30 percent or more is worth a closer look.
• Whole pens that clean up slower than the day before often signal the start of an outbreak.
• Mark the head number on your sheet so you can find the same animal again after the rest have moved.

Watch Breathing and Posture

Normal cattle breathe quietly at rest. Stand still for a minute and count flank movements on any animal that stands apart.

• More than 40 breaths per minute at rest points to trouble, especially if the animal extends its neck slightly to breathe.
• A short, dry cough that starts when the group moves is common in early cases.
• Watch for animals that keep their head lower than usual while standing; they are conserving effort.

Look at Eyes, Nose, and Ears

Discharge and ear position change quickly. Get close enough to see both sides of the face on marked animals.

• Clear or slightly cloudy nasal discharge that starts in one nostril often appears first.
• One or both ears held lower than the others can mean fever or pain from the lungs.
• Dull eyes with reduced blink rate show up before the animal becomes obviously depressed.

Take Temperatures on Suspects

Only pull animals that show two or more of the signs above. A quick rectal temperature confirms the next step.

Write the number and time on the same sheet you used at the bunk so the evening crew knows exactly which animals need rechecking.