Animal Health in a Feedlot

G.R. Morris

Awahuri Artificial Breeding Centre, Palmerston North

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1974, 34: 188-193

The animal health problems most commonly encountered in a feedlot are either associated with physical injuries or are metabolic in nature. Lactic acidosis and bloat have caused quite serious losses on some properties while an outbreak of actinobacillosis was a problem on another. Vaccines have been used to control sudden deaths associated with the organisms causing blackleg, malignant oedema and black disease.

Bovine virus diarrhoea, parainfluenza 3 infection, pasteurellosis and bovine rhinotracheitis are discussed briefly as they are considered the diseases most likely to become a problem in feedlot cattle in New Zealand.

Internal and external parasites have not been a problem but precautionary treatment for those have been carried out. A strict management routine and good animal husbandry are necessary to minimize losses from existing problems and to help prevent the occurrence of new ones.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 24-08-2000