Brisket disease in yearling feedlot cattle

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• High-Altitude Physiology

Background:

• Brisket disease (high-altitude disease) is a recognized concern in cattle grazing or residing at elevations above 1,500 meters.
• Previous studies have indicated a multifactorial etiology, involving both genetic predisposition and environmental stressors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and seasonal occurrence of brisket disease in yearling feedlot cattle at 1,600 m altitude.
• To identify gross pathological changes associated with the condition.
• To postulate potential causative factors based on observations.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive survey of illnesses and deaths was conducted over one year (1974) in approximately 407,000 yearling feedlot cattle.
• Necropsies were performed on 1,988 cattle to determine the incidence of brisket disease.
• Gross pathological examinations were conducted on affected animals.

Main Results:

• A total of 116 cattle (5.8% incidence) were diagnosed with brisket disease.
• The disease occurred year-round but showed a higher prevalence during the fall and winter months.
• Key gross findings included right ventricular hypertrophy and dilatation, along with generalized passive congestion.

Conclusions:

• High altitude poses a significant risk for brisket disease in feedlot cattle.
• Genetic susceptibility, rapid growth rates, prior mountain grazing, and hypoxic conditions likely contribute to brisket disease development.
• Further research into genetic markers and management strategies for high-altitude cattle is warranted.