Remote ruminal temperature monitoring in feedlot cattle: Effects of bovine respiratory disease, ruminal acidosis, and inclusion of dietary beta-adrenergic agonists

uminal temperature monitoring has potential as a useful tool to detect physiological changes in cattle resulting from illness and dietary changes. Heifer calves (n = 366, mean initial BW = 243 +/- 30 kg) were assigned to one of three experimental management methods: Pulled based on visual signs of bovine respiratory disease (BRD, CON), administered metaphylaxis on d 0 and subsequently pulled based on visual signs of BRD (MET), or pulled based on visual signs of BRD or elevated ruminal temperature (TEMP). Overall ADG generally decreased as number of times identified with BRD increased; however, overall ADG of TEMP heifers did not differ (P ≥ 0.60) among those identified with BRD zero, one, or two times. Heifers identified with BRD twice began the finishing phase weighing 16.9 kg less (P < 0.01) than all others. Final BW of CON heifers identified with BRD twice was 37.5 kg less (P < 0.01) than CON heifers never identified, while number of times identified with BRD did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) final BW of TEMP and MET heifers. Carcasses from CON heifers identified with BRD twice were valued at...