Nutrient Supplementation: Impacts on Health and Performance of Feedlot Receiving Cattle

Beef cattle sickness due to diseases (such as bovine respiratory disease) costs the US beef industry more than $600 million annually in lost revenue. This research investigates the effects of immune-supportive nutrient supplementation on feedlot-receiving cattle health and performance. Results are delivered to industry stakeholders through presentations and publications so that informed nutritional management decisions can be made to improve immunity and decrease the costs of health programs for feedlot cattle. Morbidity is near 20% of total cattle on feed, therefore reducing morbidity by 2% annually could save the US beef industry an estimated $12 million annually.