Often referred to as pneumonia or shipping fever (a stress-triggered form that can develop after transport), BRD can hit calves hard and fast.
It’s not caused by a single bug.
BRD is a complex mix of stress, viruses and bacteria that together compromise the lungs. Even calves that appear healthy can deteriorate quickly.
Typical signs include coughing, fever and laboured breathing.
Calves may go off their feed, lie down more than usual, breathe faster, spike a temperature or simply look dull.
The problem is timing — by the time these symptoms are obvious, the disease is often well established. Early identification and prompt treatment are critical to limiting long-term damage and losses.
Why BRD hits the bottom line
BRD isn’t just a health issue — it’s a profitability issue.
Calves that struggle with pneumonia rarely catch up completely. Poor early growth can impact future production and lifetime performance. That’s why prevention and early action matter.
Cattle have relatively small lung capacity for their body size, so protecting respiratory health from a young age is essential.
When BRD takes hold, it can mean reduced milk yield later on, higher vet costs and, in severe cases, calf deaths. Those losses add up quickly.
Why visual checks aren’t enough
Relying on what you can see has its limits.
Coughing, nasal discharge or a calf falling behind the mob can all signal BRD. But cattle are prey animals — they instinctively mask signs of weakness. By the time you notice something’s off, you may already be behind.
This is where monitoring technology changes the game. Continuous tracking of behaviour and activity highlights subtle shifts long before clinical signs are obvious.
For example, early-stage pneumonia can sometimes be picked up on ultrasound when health alerts are triggered, even if a standard clinical exam doesn’t show clear results. That extra layer of insight can make all the difference.
Smarter calf monitoring with CowManager
CowManager’s Youngstock solution is built specifically to monitor calf health. Using a single ear sensor, it records ear temperature, eating and rumination patterns, behaviour and activity levels — then flags irregularities.
When a calf shows changes linked to the BRD complex, you’re alerted early. That gives you time to act before the condition becomes severe.
Earlier intervention improves recovery rates, reduces reliance on antibiotics and lowers mortality.
Healthier calves develop into stronger, more productive cows — protecting your herd and your margins.
The same sensor continues working as calves transition into the milking herd.
CowManager’s Health solution provides lifetime monitoring, allowing you to compare groups, analyse trends and make informed management decisions at every stage.
Combine strong management with real-time monitoring, and you give BRD far less chance to do damage.
Protecting calves from respiratory disease isn’t just about animal welfare — it’s about safeguarding the long-term performance and profitability of your dairy operation.
15°C