What’s a surefire way to help keep stocker calves on feed and shipping to feedlots on time? For a stocker operator from Verden, Oklahoma, it’s about controlling bovine respiratory disease (BRD) as soon as the cattle arrive.

“When you have a calf that’s sick, it takes at least 30 days for that calf to get well and catch up with its penmates,” said Bryan Linn. “When you figure all the lost weight from sick calves, it more than pays for using an antimicrobial on-arrival.”

The Linns help protect their animals with BRD Management Solutions from Zoetis, featuring products with broad-spectrum protection, low-dose volumes and demonstrated, long-lasting protection. Linn has seen big changes since incorporating DRAXXIN® (tulathromycin) Injectable Solution and EXCEDE® (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) Sterile Suspension.

“I don’t really have a sick pen anymore,” Linn said. “We believe the calves are better off out in their natural environment in the open pasture. By using DRAXXIN and EXCEDE, we’re able to keep cattle comfortable and pretty much leave them alone. On top of that, we know our calves will ship on time so we’re not wasting days and money trying to get them caught up.”

Carrie Linn, who manages the operation’s records, continues to see improvements in pull rates and death loss even though cattle numbers are increasing. “Our death loss is down to just 2%, which is a huge improvement for us since starting DRAXXIN,” Carrie Linn said.

As a result, the Linns are able to focus on marketing cattle and making their business profitable.