Effects of Preconditioning on Health, Performance and Prices of Weaned Calves

Abstract

Bovine respiratory disease is very costly to the beef industry because affected animals have reduced performance, increased cost of production and reduced carcass quality. Based on the limited data available, preconditioning (defined as the combination of appropriate vaccination, 45-day weaning and balanced nutrition) significantly reduces morbidity and mortality as well as improves weight gain and feed efficiency. Data is not available documenting the potential benefits of preconditioning relative to carcass quality. Further information is needed to better identify the true value of preconditioning programs in different situations. This information is necessary to forecast a realistic price that buyers can pay for preconditioned calves, while allowing cow/calf producers to reap some of the added value. Conservatively, preconditioning may capture $50 to $75 per head of additional value from weaning through the packing phase compared to a production system where weaning, vaccination and other management practices associated with preconditioning occur after shipment from the ranch of origin.