The integration of beef-on-dairy crossbred calves into feedlots remains a challenge due to their heightened susceptibility to disease. Calves raised on commercial dairies are commonly exposed to greater amounts of copper than calves raised in conventional beef production systems, which may contribute to increased inflammation and immune dysfunction. In this study, calves with excess liver copper displayed greater visual presentation of disease symptoms and lung consolidation while having an impaired nutritional immunity response. This suggests calves with excess liver copper concentrations experience greater severity of disease and immune dysfunction compared to those with adequate liver copper. This highlights the need for careful trace mineral management in these animals.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.