Survey of health and management problems during finishing in cattle in confinement systems in Uruguay

Abstract

Uruguayan traditional beef cattle finishing systems has changed during the last years, with an important number of animals being finished under confinement feeding. This might suggest that animal health problems in these production systems are different from those already present under grazing conditions. The objective of this study was to obtain information on potential health problems in beef cattle under feed lot systems in Uruguay. A questionnaire-based survey was designed and presented to feedlots owners or managers as personal interview, during April-December 2012. A total of 71 farmers (n=84) responded, resulting in a response rate of 84.5%. Results from this surveys demonstrated that acidosis, clostridia diseases and foot problems were present in one out of four of the interviewed farms; urinary problems were present in 20% of the farms and respiratory problems in one out of ten. The average mortality was 0.43% (Range: 0.02% to 1.0%), being the digestive problems responsible for 44% of the death.