Dust in feedlot environments contributes significantly to respiratory disease and welfare compromise in housed and outdoor beef cattle. Managing dust through surface treatment, vegetation, and stocking density improves respiratory health.
Feedlot dust exposure causes chronic respiratory irritation that contributes to welfare-relevant disease. The cumulative effect of months of exposure to dusty air in intensive feedlot environments impairs respiratory health, reduces the ability to engage in normal activity, and predisposes to bacterial pneumonia. Dust management is a practical, cost-effective welfare improvement that also reduces antibiotic use for respiratory disease treatment. The connection between feedlot environment quality and respiratory welfare is direct and actionable.