A study at Colorado State University is looking to identify animals with less susceptibility to feedlot diseases, especially bovine respiratory disease.

According to a news release from Pfizer Animal Genetics, which sponsored the study along with the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium — a group of universities focused on furthering genetic evaluations of beef cattle — the research combines multiple past study designs to create a unique methodology focused on genetics under commercial feedlot conditions.

The study, which began in 2007 and ends next year, involves more than 3,000 steers. All animals originate from one large commercial beef operation and are being fed at a Colorado commercial feedlot. All animals have been genotyped and performance and health traits will be monitored throughout the research while overall health and carcass quality will be charted after harvest.

"Our goal with this study is to maximize producer profitability through healthier animals, improved animal welfare and the use of effective genetic management tools," said Mark Enns, the study's lead researcher. "By identifying key genetic markers, the industry can better develop tools for producers to decrease morbidity and mortality, resulting in more profits for beef producers throughout the industry."

By Ann Bagel Storck on 8/15/2008 for Meatingplace.com