Bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) is a clinical disorder that results from cardiac dysfunction with subsequent fatal outcomes in most cases.
As cattle are fed to heavier end points, the incidence of BCHF is increasing. It has been estimated that congestive heart failure is responsible for 4% of the mortality cases in feedlots today.
More Questions Than Answers
Epidemiologic results from research released in 2022 by Simplot Land and Livestock and also Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center (GPVEC), at Clay Center, Neb., indicates there is a genetic component to the disease.
The factors contributing to BCHF aren’t fully understood, however, and the beef industry continues to look for answers that can lead to solutions.
The American Angus Association has been working to address the issue and is hosting a webinar for producers and veterinarians at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 9. The focus of the webinar will address what is being done today to answer questions about BCHF from a research perspective.
Bring Your Questions
Angus Genetics Inc. President Kelli Retallick-Riley is leading the discussion. Some of the questions that will be answered include:
*What are the signs and symptoms of BCHF?
*Could new research efforts help cattlemen make better production and selection decisions?
There will be a live question-and-answer session, and webinar participants are encouraged to bring their questions to the event. Go here to register for the program.
If you have questions but are unable to attend live, you can submit them to Jessica Hartman, communications specialist, prcomm@angus.org. Hartman says to register to be notified when the recorded webinar is available.
These articles offer more information about bovine congestive heart failure and what the beef industry is doing to address it:
Congestive Heart Failure an Issue in Finishing Cattle
Angus Tackles Bovine Congestive Heart Failure
Bovine Congestive Heart Failure Work Continues
