Pneumonia

[tncattle]

Just saw a cattleman friend of mine and he lost a good size calf to what he thinks was pneumonia. He's getting it checked to see for sure what the cause was.

What are the conditions that are most likely to cause pneumonia in cattle?

I know he follows a good vaccination & health program but I guess there is no sure thing?

 

[dun]

Seems like it's wildly fluctuating weather that causes it the most.

 

[Santas and Duhram Reds]

yep, cold nights and warm days.

 

[angus9259]

My cattle don't have a barn to run into, but my understanding is that barns and lack of ventilation are strong contributors as well.

 

[CKC1586]

Seems like it's wildly fluctuating weather that causes it the most.

:nod: Yup! Gotta watch them when the weather gets crazy, below zero this week, 40's next week....back to zero and below etc etc

 

[piedmontese]

i agree,drastic weather changes r the worst.we was single digits a few days ago and by next wednesday we r supposed to be 60.got my draxxin ready if i need it.

 

[dun]

My cattle don't have a barn to run into, but my understanding is that barns and lack of ventilation are strong contributors as well.

That also contributes. The stale air, close animals and the weather fluctuations. In a barn you need a good air exchange, like a 3 sided shed or 3/4 walls, etc

 

[tncattle]

Is it better for them to just stay out in the open elements all the time?

 

[CKC1586]

Is it better for them to just stay out in the open elements all the time?

Well, yes and no. Do they have a wind break, dry spot to yard up, good nutrition??? If the barn doesn't have ventilation and isn't kept clean (wet, sloppy, ammonia fumes) they are better off outside.

 

[dun]

Is it better for them to just stay out in the open elements all the time?

Generally yes. As long as they can get out of the wind they 99.9% of the time are better off then in a barn. A 3 sided shed is ok as long as it's wider then it is deep