Association of serologic status for Neospora caninum with postweaning weight gain and carcass measurements in beef calves

Citation
Ks. Barling et al., Association of serologic status for Neospora caninum with postweaning weight gain and carcass measurements in beef calves, J AM VET ME, 217(9), 2000, pp. 1356-1360
Citations number
32
Categorie Soggetti
Veterinary Medicine/Animal Health
Journal title
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
ISSN journal
00031488 → ACNP
Volume
217
Issue
9
Year of publication
2000
Pages
1356 - 1360
Database
ISI
SICI code
0003-1488(20001101)217:9<1356:AOSSFN>2.0.ZU;2-E
Abstract
Objective-To determine the seroprevalence for Neospora caninum in a populat ion of beef calves in a feedlot and the association of serologic status wit h postweaning weight gain and carcass measurement. Design-Longitudinal observational study. Animals-1,009 weaned beef steers from 92 herds. Procedure-Samples were obtained from all steers at time of arrival at a fee dlot. Serologic status for Neospora spp was determined, using an agglutinat ion test. Results of serologic testing were compared with I calf growth and carcass data, using multivariate regression with generalized estimating eq uations. Results-Of 1,009 carves, 131 (12.98%) were seropositive, and 54 of 92 (58.7 %) consignments had greater than or equal to 1 seropositive calf. Median wi thin-consignment prevalence for consignments in which there was greater tha n or equal to 1 seropositive calf was 20%. Seropositive status was associat ed with significant reductions in average daily gain, live body weight at s laughter, and hot carcass weight and an increase in ribeye area-to-hot carc ass weight ratio. Seropositive status also was associated with significant increases in cost of treatment and significant reductions in income. Sick s eropositive calves had the highest cost of treatment. An economic loss of $ 15.62/calf was projected for seropositive calves. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance-Significant reductions in postweaning we ight gain, carcass weight, and economic return were associated with detecti on of antibodies to N caninum in beef calves ina feedlot.