Drylot receiving program vs pasture conditioning with Micotil® metaphylaxis for grazing stocker calves

Abstract

Three stocker cattle field studies were conducted comparing a traditional 4- to 5-week drylot receiving program with injectable antibiotics administered on a pull-and-treat basis versus a pasture-based conditioning program using an initial metaphylaxis with Micotil® followed by immediately placing cattle on grass. Although daily gains were similar (P=.80) for both receiving programs during the first 28 days, pasture conditioning reduced the number of cattle treated and increased (P<.01) daily gains during the subsequent grazing phase.