Ranch-management factors associated with antibody seropositivity for Neospora caninum in consignments of beef calves in Texas, USA. uri icon

abstract

  • A study was conducted with a 1998 retained-ownership population of Texas (USA) beef calves to determine the ranch-management practices associated with calf seroprevalence to Neospora caninum. Management practices of 76 Texas ranches that consigned 760 calves to a retained-ownership feedlot program were reviewed from a mailed questionnaire. Ninety-nine of 760 (13%; 95% CI, 9.4%, 17.7%) calves were positive to N. caninum and 59% of the ranches consigned at least one positive calf. In the logistic multiple-regression model which controlled for overdispersion, increased odds of calf-level seropositivity was associated with seasonal calving patterns, with stocking>1cow/calfunit/2.2ha, using a round-bale feeder, allowing wildlife access to the weaning supplement, and self-reared replacement heifers. However, decreased odds of seropositivity was associated with using a cattle-working dog and with using a self-contained cattle feeder. There was substantial overdispersion due to ranch.

published proceedings

  • Prev Vet Med

author list (cited authors)

  • Barling, K. S., McNeill, J. W., Paschal, J. C., McCollum, F. T., Craig, T. M., Adams, L. G., & Thompson, J. A.

citation count

  • 48

complete list of authors

  • Barling, KS||McNeill, JW||Paschal, JC||McCollum, FT||Craig, TM||Adams, LG||Thompson, JA

publication date

  • November 2001