The backgrounding phase of beef production, where weaned calves are grown on pasture or in feedlots before finishing, presents distinct welfare challenges including stress from weaning and commingling.
The transition from cow-calf to backgrounding is one of the most stressful periods in beef cattle production. The simultaneous stressors of weaning, transport, unfamiliar environments, feed changes, and commingling with strange cattle overwhelm the immune system and make calves highly susceptible to respiratory disease. Bovine respiratory disease is painful, difficult to treat effectively once established, and a leading cause of suffering and death in the beef industry. Management practices that reduce these transition stressors, including preconditioning programs, low-stress handling, and adequate processing protocols, have strong evidence bases and represent achievable welfare improvements.