Evaluation of Feedlot Arrival Castration Status on Individual Animal Performance Over a 61-Day Preconditioning Period in Calves Having an Ultra-High Risk of Developing Bovine Respiratory Disease

Abstract

Castration at feedlot arrival may contribute to animal stress, and therefore have potential effects on feedlot performance and health. The purpose of this study was to follow two populations of male calves (those castrated prior to feedlot arrival and those castrated at the time of feedlot arrival) over a 61 day preconditioning period and to compare performance data based on individual animal feed intakes (GrowSafe Systems Ltd., Airdrie, Canada).