After weaning, beef calves are often transported for long hours without access to feed and water to auction markets or feedlot operations. Loss of body fluids and nutrients during road transportation can affect physiological responses and make calves more susceptible to diseases. We evaluated the effects of increasing access to water (SWS) or providing an energy-trace-mineral-based drinking solution (NRS) upon feedlot arrival on performance and health outcomes of newly received beef heifers. Both SWS and NRS increased water intake during the initial 4 d after feedlot arrival compared to control (CON). SWS decreased the cumulative incidence of bovine respiratory disease during the initial days of the experiment compared to CON, and NRS increased serum antibody titers against bovine viral diarrhea virus compared to CON. SWS and NRS had no impact on growth performance and blood metabolites. Providing SWS or NRS during the initial 4 d after feedlot arrival to high-risk newly received beef calves can increase water, feed intake, and immune response.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.