In this episode of About the Abstract, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Todd Gunderson discussed a study that tested whether water intake can predict bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The study’s main finding was that water intake decreased 1–2 days before BRD treatment or diagnosis. The study also found that the amount of water consumed mattered more than the number of visits or the time spent at the waterer. The cattle treated multiple times for BRD consistently drank less water than healthy cattle. The main takeaway from the study was that monitoring water intake per visit to the waterer is more important than monitoring cattle behavior. 

Article Discussed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/preventive-veterinary-medicine