Early detection of bovine respiratory disease in young bulls using reticulo-rumen temperature boluses.
The use of reticulo-rumen temperature boluses to detect bovine respiratory disease (BRD) was investigated in young bulls following their entry into a fattening unit. Twenty-four bulls received a bolus at entry and were observed for 40 days. As soon as a reticulo-rumen hyperthermia (RH) episode was detected using the bolus, clinical examination was performed by a veterinarian and then repeated every 12-24h until the end of RH episode. Fifty-two RH episodes were detected in 22 animals. High rectal temperatures (40.1±0.6°C) were observed during these episodes. BRD was diagnosed on the basis of clinical examination during 38/52 RH episodes in 21 animals (positive predictive value 73%). The onset of BRD signs always occurred after the onset of RH episodes, with a time-lag from 12 to 136 h, depending on BRD signs. Monitoring reticulo-rumen temperature permits early detection of BRD; however, clinical examination is required to confirm BRD.
Timsit
Edouard
E
Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire, Agroalimentaire et de l'Alimentation, Nantes, France. edouard.timsit@oniris-nantes.fr
Assié
Sébastien
S
Quiniou
René
R
Seegers
Henri
H
Bareille
Nathalie
N
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature; D048090:Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002417:Cattle; D005334:Fever / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D058998:Remote Sensing Technology / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D012159:Reticulum / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012417:Rumen / Q000503:physiopathology*