Effect of Pluronic-F68 fog solution on performance and morbidity of newly-received heifer calves
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AbstractMorbidity and mortality from bovine respiratory disease of newly-received feedlot cattle continues to be a problem for the feedlot industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of utilizing a novel breathing treatment containing a non-ionic surfactant (Pluronic-F68) on performance and morbidity of high-risk calves during a 45-d receiving period. Angus/Angus-cross heifer calves (n = 240) were acquired in Delhi, LA and transported (14h) to the research facility. Heifers were allowed 21-h rest with access to water and RAMP prior to processing. Heifers were sorted into 16 pens by processing order and randomized into one of two treatments: novel breathing treatment containing 6.25% Pluronic-F68 solution, 28.13% glycerin, and 65.62% water (FOG; n = 8 pens/treat and 15 heifers/pen) and control (CON; n = 8 pens/treat and 15 heifers/pen). Control heifers were held in an enclosed stock trailer for 10 min and followed by FOG heifers, during which time treatment was administered. The person responsible for identifying signs of morbidity was blinded to treatment assignments. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using MIXED (continuous) or GLIMMIX (binomial) models of SAS 9.4. Average daily gain was similar between treatments (P = 0.91). No differences were found in dry matter intake (P = 0.14) nor in feed efficiency (P = 0.58). There were no differences (P = 0.74) in final body weights. Morbidity was similar at first, second and third antimicrobial administration regardless of treatment (P 0.34). The number of antimicrobial treatments required or the management of BRD was similar between treatments (P = 0.72) There was no difference (P = 0.44) in mortality between FOG and CON groups. The Pluronic-F68 solution did not improve performance or reduce morbidity of newly received heifer calves; however, further research with a different concentration and/or duration of fogging may be warranted.
