Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Assessing performance of feedlot operations using epidemiology.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Corbin, Marilyn J & Griffin, Dee
- Affiliation:
- Central States Research Centre · United States
Plain-English summary
This research discusses how veterinarians working with feedlots, where large numbers of cattle are raised for meat, need to understand both individual animal health and the health of the entire group. They should set clear goals for the health of the animals and regularly check their progress using detailed records and analysis. Important factors to monitor include both the health of the cattle and the financial aspects of the operation. If there are significant changes in these factors, it’s important to investigate further. The study highlights new methods, like budgeting and risk assessment, to help improve the feeding industry in a practical and cost-effective way.
Abstract
The progressive feedlot veterinarian must be well versed not only in individual production animal medicine, but also in population-based medicine. Feedlot health programs must be goal oriented, and evaluation of these goals is accomplished through diligent use of record systems and analytic evaluation of these record systems. Basic feedlot monitoring parameters include health and economic parameters in addition to the use of bench marking parameters between and among feed yards. When these parameters have significant changes, steps should be initiated to begin field investigations. Feedlot epidemiology uses several novel applications such as partial budgeting, risk assessment, and packing plant audits to provide scientifically sound and economically feasible solutions for the feeding industry.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16517295/