AS 341 March, 1966
Management and Nutrition of New Feeder Cattle
Lowell L. Wilson, K. G. MacDonald, H. H. Mayo, Animal Sciences Department
Feeder calves or yearlings must be handled and fed correctly when they first arrive in the feedlot. The initial three-week period determines to a large extent whether or not a group of cattle will gain efficiently and profitably. The cattle feeder must know everything possible about his new cattle, be ready for the cattle when they arrive, and use extreme caution in handling and feeding during the starting period.
Although each cattle feeder has his own method of starting cattle on feed, there are certain general guidelines that should be considered. This publication presents a discussion of these guidelines.
^ lot of healthy, well-doing feeder cattle that have been handled and fed correctly during the very critical first frree weeks of the feeding period.
Know Your Cattle
If possible the feeder should know:
(a) the true origin of the cattle (b) the feeder
grade and past feedlot performance of cattle from the original area or ranch (c) the age of the cattle (d) the length of time off the home ranch (e) the previous feed (f) the record of implantion with stilbestrol (g) the pre-shipment vaccination record.
Generally, any vaccination should be given 14 days before exposure to the disease or shipment. Therefore, cattle should be vaccinated 2 weeks before leaving the home ranch or farm. This may cost a little more, but it is usually well worth the price.
Vaccination for shipping fever, I.B. R. (Infectious Bovine Rhinotraechitis or Red Nose) and B.V. D. (Bovine Virus Diarrhea) receive first consideration. Blackleg, leptospirosis and enterotoxemia vaccinations may be needed in some areas. The decision as to what to vaccinate for and when should be made with the advice of a veterinarian.
Be Ready for the Cattle
1.	Isolation
Any new animal brought on the farm should not be allowed contact with animals already on the farm, because of the danger of spreading disease. Different groups of animals from different areas or ranches should also be kept separate. Cattle that arrive in the feedlot at different times should not be allowed to drink or eat from the same water tank or feed bunk. New cattle should be isolated for at least 30 days. Any animal showing signs of illness on arrival should be isolated from the group.
Beef Section • Animal Sciences Department
Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, Lafayette, Indiana

Beef   Management