Green grass and summertime mark the arrival of fly season in South Dakota, as cattle are turned out to pasture. However, the presence of flies brings along a common issue: pinkeye. While some producers may dismiss pinkeye as a non-threatening condition, its economic consequences on the herd's profitability should not be overlooked.
In a recent research project conducted by SDSU Extension staff, sale barn data from across the state was collected during two calf marketing seasons. Although pinkeye was not the primary focus, it emerged as a significant problem affecting calves passing through the sale ring.
While a detailed statistical analysis of the price difference has not been conducted, the financial impact of pinkeye can be substantial for many operations. Receiving only 57% to 76% of the total value of an affected animal can make a noticeable difference in profitability. Notably, Herd 5 stood out as an outlier, with calves having eye issues generating only 18% to 19% of the value compared to their healthy counterparts.
Although various factors, such as the number of infected calves, the percentage that recovered, and other variables, were not specifically addressed in this study, anecdotal evidence suggests that producers with calves affected by pinkeye received smaller checks than they would have if all the calves had been healthy.
For instance, Herd 1's calf check for the listed animals amounted to $177,631.00, whereas it could have been $180,112.00 if all the calves had been included in one lot and sold at a higher price per hundredweight.
The importance of effective control and treatment measures cannot be emphasized enough. Producers are urged to consult with their veterinarians to explore available options. Evaluating economic considerations, animal welfare, performance changes, and logistical factors is crucial in making informed decisions that can safeguard both herd health and overall profitability.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jessicahyde
Categories: South Dakota, Business, Livestock