Bovine respiratory disease is the leading cause of illness and death in feedlot cattle. Effective prevention and early treatment are central to cattle welfare.
BRD causes significant suffering including fever, labored breathing, nasal discharge, and lethargy. Cattle that recover from acute BRD often have permanent lung consolidation that reduces their tolerance for subsequent health challenges and limits exercise capacity. The welfare prevention hierarchy prioritizes reducing stress at each transition point — minimizing transport duration, providing rest and water before processing, and avoiding commingling of multiple source groups. Early detection through daily observation of posture, ear position, and nasal discharge enables prompt treatment before disease severity increases. Long-term welfare improvement requires systemic changes to feedlot receiving practices rather than reliance on metaphylaxis.