Results Are In--Science to Inform Good Stewardship, from AMR to Grazing to Sanitation

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) funds a variety of research projects on animal health and welfare, environmental sustainability, forage and grasslands, feed efficiency, food safety, beef quality, and more. This post is part of an ongoing series  highlighting recent research results. Find the BCRC’s entire catalog of  research summaries  under “For Producers” in the navigation. 

What can the genetics of BRD at feedlots tell us about antimicrobial resistance?

There are clear differences in the antimicrobial resistance genes in bovine respiratory disease (BRD) pathogens in Canada compared to other places in the world, and while not directly related to antimicrobial use at feedlots, these could pose a risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the future independent of feedlot practices. These findings can all be used to inform surveillance and understand how specific feedlot practices are influencing AMR.  

Learn more about POC.06.23. 

Has making antibiotics “prescription only” affected antibiotic stewardship on cow-calf operations? 

Minimal changes to antimicrobial use have been observed since stricter regulations were imposed in December 2018. Antimicrobial use and resistance in the cow-calf sector pose limited risks to the health of humans, the environment or cattle. Proper antibiotic stewardship initiatives are essential to keep these risks low. 

Learn more about ANH.10.19.

Do commercial packing plants effectively sanitize cutting equipment? 

Current sanitization practices used in Canadian beef processing facilities are highly effective at eliminating bacteria on most equipment. However, there are still opportunities to further improve sanitation practices for larger and more complex cutting equipment.  

Learn more about FOS.01.20.

How are antimicrobial resistance and BRD transmitted through the feedlot?  

Not all respiratory pathogens behave the same way throughout the feeding period. Over time, a few dominant strains of Mannheimia take over, with antibiotic resistant strains persisting and spreading through the pen. Pasteurella retains its diversity and does not appear to spread among animals as much.  

Learn more about ANH.02.21.

Can we breed an alfalfa with higher biomass and better digestibility?  

While this team was unable to improve yield, there is potential to improve digestibility through the down regulation of the MsSOC1 gene.  

Learn more about FRG.03.18.

Can we develop an antibiotic alternative to treat Mycoplasma bovis? 

Very early results suggest that several FDA-approved compounds may have potential value in treating Mycoplasma bovis but more work is needed to ensure they’re not toxic to bovine cells at the same levels that are effective against M. bovis. 

Learn more about ANH.01.19.

Sharing or reprinting BCRC posts is welcome and encouraged. Please credit the Beef Cattle Research Council, provide the website address, www.BeefResearch.ca, and let us know you have chosen to share the article by emailing us at [email protected].

Your questions, comments and suggestions are welcome. Contact us directly or spark a public discussion by posting your thoughts below.