Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading natural cause of death in beef and dairy cattle, causing annual losses of more than 1 million animals and $692 million. This disease complex includes a number of viruses and bacteria that are responsible for up to 50 percent of the cattle death in feedlots. An AFRI Coordinated Agricultural Project (AFRI-CAP) led by Texas A&M University is identifying genetic loci and genomic rearrangements associated with BRD and using these data to develop diagnostic tests and selection tools to identify BRD-resistant animals. Incorporating BRD into genetic evaluations and selection decisions offers a sustainable approach to reduce disease incidence.

NIFA originally published this impact in the NIFA 2015 Annual Report. Want to read about more impacts like this? Check out Fresh from the Field, a weekly bulletin showcasing transformative impacts made by grantees funded by NIFA.