Date of Graduation

5-2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Animal Science

Advisor/Mentor

Powell, Jeremy Grant, 1975-

Committee Member/Reader

Kegley, Elizabeth B

Committee Member/Second Reader

Rosenkrans, Charles F

Committee Member/Third Reader

Kreider, David L

Abstract

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of illness and death in U.S. feedlot cattle. This study evaluated the use of isoflupredone acetate in the treatment of BRD. Crossbred male beef calves (n = 192; BW = 221 ± 3.9 kg) were acquired in two blocks from regional auction markets and transported to the University of Arkansas Stocker and Receiving Cattle Unit. Calves were observed daily for signs of respiratory illness. Antibiotic treatment was administered if calves displayed signs of respiratory illness and rectal temperature was ≥ 40 °C. Calves (n = 72) requiring antibiotic treatment were assigned randomly to either treatment 1 (florfenicol) or treatment 2 (florfenicol plus isoflupredone acetate). Both treatment groups were rechecked 48 hours post treatment to determine treatment efficacy. Blood was collected (at treatment and recheck) via jugular venipuncture to evaluate complete blood count. Weights were recorded on days 0, 14, 28, 45, and 46. No difference existed for medical cost (P = 0.54) or temperature at recheck (P = 0.43). Upon recheck, neutrophils were higher and lymphocytes were lower in calves that received isoflupredone acetate (P ≤ 0.04). No difference existed in overall white blood cell count at recheck (P = 0.67). Calves that received isoflupredone acetate tended to exhibit greater (P = 0.09) average daily gain (ADG) between days 14 and 28 of the study. Results indicate that using isoflupredone acetate as ancillary therapy in the treatment of BRD did not have a positive effect on overall ADG or medical costs.

Keywords

bovine respiratory disease, veterinary medicine, isoflupredone acetate, ancillary therapy

Share

COinS