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Fetal abomasal ulcers in yearling feedlot cattle
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|September 1, 1976
Summary
Fatal abomasal ulcers caused 1.6% of deaths in feedlot cattle during 1974. These ulcers, often perforating and leading to peritonitis, were most frequent during early winter feeding periods.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Pathology
Background:
- Abomasal ulcers are a significant concern in feedlot cattle.
- Understanding the incidence and contributing factors is crucial for herd health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of fatal abomasal ulcers in yearling feedlot cattle.
- To identify seasonal patterns and feeding stage associations with ulcer development.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed approximately 407,000 yearling feedlot cattle throughout 1974.
- Performed 1,988 necropsies on cattle that died.
- Documented the presence and nature of abomasal ulcers.
Main Results:
- Abomasal ulcers with fatal perforations or hemorrhages were found in 1.6% of necropsied cattle.
- An equal number of incidental, non-fatal ulcers were also identified.
- Ulcers occurred year-round but were more prevalent in the initial 45 days of winter feeding.
Conclusions:
- Abomasal ulcers represent a notable cause of mortality in feedlot operations.
- Early winter feeding periods may increase the risk of fatal ulcer development.
- Perforation leads to peritonitis, a severe complication requiring further investigation.