Is There a Genetic Solution to Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex?

Abstract Text: Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a multi-factor disease, which increases costs and reduces revenue from feedlot cattle.  Multiple stressors and pathogens (viral and bacterial) have been implicated in the etiology of BRDC, therefore multiple approaches will be needed to evaluate and identify the genetic components associated with this disease.  Once host genetic factors have been identified, genetic markers may bridge the information gap between feedlots and the seedstock sector facilitating improvement in host resistance.  Management changes to reduce stress, improved vaccines, and sub-therapeutic and therapeutic use of antibiotics will continue to play key roles in managing BRDC.  Recent whole genome association studies studies indicate that there is indeed genetic variation in components of BRDC, which can be exploited to enhance disease resistance.  Correlated traits (e.g. vaccine response, lung lesions) will provide key information in probing genetics of disease resistance.

Keywords:

beef cattle

health

genetics