Elevated Body Temperature Differences Expressed by Stocker Cattle Processed Through a Central Kentucky Stockyard

Abstract

To assess incidence of elevated body temperature expressed by stocker cattle marketed in central Kentucky at different times of the year, rectal body temperature data were collected during a 9-mo period on 11,084 stocker cattle varying in genetic type, sex, weight, and hair-shedding condition. If rectal body temperature was >39.4°C, body temperature was considered to be elevated and recorded as 1; otherwise, 0 was recorded. Incidence (0,1) of elevated body temperature data were analyzed assuming a mathematical model that included effects for calf genetic type [Britishsired (BS), Continental-sired (CS), Holstein-sired (HS)], sex [bull (B), steer (S), heifer (H)], month, week/month, hair shedding condition [slick-shed (SS), partial-shed (PS), nonshed (NS), average weight of group [136 to 181, 182 to 226, 227 to 271, 272 to 317kg] and appropriate two-way interactions between these effects. Specific comparisons involving calf genetic type, sex, and hair-shedding condition indicated that incidence of elevated body temperature was: 1) similar for HS and (BS+CS)/2 cattle; 2) 5.2% greater (P<.01) for BS than for CS cattle; 3) 12.1% less (P<.01) for SS than for (PS+NS)/2 cattle; 4) 12.3% less (P<.01) for PS than for NS cattle; 5) similar for Hand (B+S)/2 cattle and; 6) 10.9% higher (P<.01) for B than for S cattle. Also, incidence of elevated body temperature differed depending upon weight and month when cattle were marketed.