Managing the health of feedlot and finishing beef cattle demands careful attention and expertise. The feedlot phase, which involves the final stage of beef production, is where cattle are fed high-energy diets to maximize growth and prepare for market. During this phase in the beef production cycle, health challenges occur that can significantly impact animal welfare, production efficiency, and economic returns. Some of the most pressing health issues of beef cattle in feedlots include lameness, heat stress, metabolic disorders such as acidosis, hindgut health issues, and bovine respiratory disease (BRD).

Respiratory disease, commonly referred to as Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is the leading cause of illness and death of feedlot cattle, accounting for substantial economic losses due to reduced weight gain, increased veterinary costs, and mortality1 (Figure 1). The transition from the ranch to the feedlot is one of the most challenging times for beef cattle in terms of welfare. Newly received calves and yearlings face numerous stressors before arriving at the feedlot. These stressors include weaning, castration and dehorning, branding, vaccination, handling, transport, potential mixing at auction markets, and adapting to a new diet and unfamiliar environment, including pens, waterers, and feed bunks2. These stressors, in combination with the fact that calves from different farms carrying different respiratory pathogens are being mixed, are significant contributors to BRD.

Effective management practices to combat BRD start with a comprehensive vaccination program tailored to protect against prevalent viral and bacterial pathogens. Ensuring that cattle are vaccinated before or soon after arrival at the feedlot can significantly reduce the incidence of respiratory illness. Additionally, minimizing stress through proper handling techniques, providing adequate space, and ensuring a clean and comfortable environment are crucial measures. Preconditioning programs, which involve weaning calves and acclimating them to feedlot conditions before arrival, can also enhance their resilience to diseases.

Metabolic disorders of beef cattle in feedlots are rumen acidosis, bloating and hindgut acidosis resulting in "leaky gut". These metabolic disorders are commonly resulting from the consumption of high-grain diets that are rich in fermentable carbohydrates. Feeding high starch diets to feedlot cattle leads to a rapid production of lactic acid in the rumen and hindgut, lowering its pH and causing acidosis. Hindgut acidosis can cause systemic inflammation. Symptoms include decreased feed intake, lethargy, and, in severe cases, death. To manage metabolic disorders, it is vital to implement gradual diet transitions, allowing the rumen microflora to adapt to the increased starch levels. Including dietary buffers and providing a consistent feed intake schedule can also help mitigate the risk. Additionally, feed additives such as Selko LactiBute, that promote gut health, can help maintain a healthy hindgut environment.

Lameness of feedlot cattle is a multi-factorial problem. It is often resulting from conditions such as foot rot or digital dermatitis. Rumen acidosis and "leaky gut" as a result of hindgut acidosis can result in the release of inflammation mediators in the circulation. This can cause laminitis with white line defects of the claws, which can also cause lameness. Lameness in beef cattle not only affects animal welfare but also reduces feed intake and weight gain, leading to economic losses. Preventative measures include maintaining clean and dry pen conditions, dietary measures to reduce the risk of rumen acidosis and hindgut acidosis leading to "leaky gut" and prompt treatment of any detected lameness. Providing well-designed feeding and watering areas that reduce the risk of injury and infection is also essential.

The Treponema genus of bacteria has been implicated as a causative factor of bovine digital dermatitis (hairy warts). Treponema is shed in faeces. One of the factors that can have an impact on shedding is immunity status. A trial in dairy cows3,4 showed a reduction in relative abundance of Treponema in the faeces of 67% (see Figure 2).

Feed additives for beef cattle, such as prebiotics and trace mineral nutrition, play an essential role in mitigating health challenges. Prebiotics, which are non-digestible food ingredients that promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gut, can enhance hindgut health and immune function. Several trials5,6.7 have shown that feeding Selko LactiBute to beef cattle will improve hindgut health and reduce the risk of "leaky gut", resulting in an improvement of of feed efficiency and an increase of average daily gain (see Figures 3 and 4).

Trace minerals, including zinc, copper, and manganese, are vital for various physiological functions and immune responses. Adequate trace mineral nutrition supports hoof health, improves disease resistance, and enhances overall growth and productivity. Supplementing diets with the right level and mineral sources can help address deficiencies that might contribute to health issues like lameness and BRD.

The health challenges faced by feedlot cattle require a proactive and multifaceted approach. Effective management practices, including vaccination programs, proper nutrition, stress reduction, and regular health monitoring, are essential to mitigate these risks. By addressing these health challenges comprehensively, farmers can enhance the welfare of their cattle, improve production efficiency, and achieve better economic outcomes. Maintaining a healthy herd is not only a matter of good practice but also a commitment to sustainable and responsible livestock farming.