1970 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

Authors

J. L. Adams, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
E. F. Frolik, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
H. W. Ottoson, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
F. E. Eldridge, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Date of this Version

1970

Citation

EC 70-218. University of Nebraska College of Agriculture and Home Economics

Comments

Used by permission.

Abstract

The use of high concentrate rations in finishing cattle has led to a rather high loss of livers due to abscesses.

The 1967 Statistical Summary of the Federal Meat Inspection Service of the USDA indicated the total number of cattle inspected was 27,859,980. Of these, 9.6% were condemned because of liver abscess. Considering the value of a liver to be about $3, the estimated loss to the industry because of condemnatIon due to abscess would be over $8 million annually.

The incidence of liver abscesses increases as the roughage level in a finishing ration decreases below 5% (Table I). The feeding of some roughage or a broad spectrum antibiotic should help reduce the incidence of liver abscesses.