Why is it important to get a good handle on bovine respiratory disease (BRD)? The cost of BRD goes far beyond just the cost of treatment of sick animals and the cost of dead animals. Cattle that develop BRD have notable decreases in growth performance. Studied vary the in the total loss in average daily gain (ADG) from 0.17 lb/day to 0.30 lb/day, which translates to 30-54 lbs over a 180 day feeding period. With the cost of feeder calves these days, this unrealized weight may mean the difference between profit and loss.
Not only does BRD have a significant impact on growth performance, there is also a big decrease in carcass quality of cattle that are affected by BRD. One particular study (2002 Iowa Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity), showed a 7.4% decrease in the percentage of cattle that graded choice when they were treated once for BRD. They also showed a 12.3% decrease in percent of cattle that graded choice after 2 treatments (as opposed to no treatments at all). This is especially important with a large choice-select price spread, as is typically seen in the early summer months (late May, June), when the market is flooded with fat cattle.
Source: Minnesota Ag Extension