Zoetis Introduces First Commercial Genetic Predictions for BRD to Support Stronger, Healthier Beef Herds
Zoetis Inc. has announced the launch of new bovine respiratory disease (BRD) genetic predictions through its INHERIT® platform, giving cattle producers a new tool to build more resilient and productive beef herds. The innovation allows both commercial cow-calf operators and seedstock producers to evaluate animals based on genetic indicators tied to BRD health and survival for the first time.
BRD remains one of the most costly diseases in the beef industry, contributing to an estimated $1 billion in annual losses through reduced calf performance, mortality, and treatment expenses. Until now, producers had limited ability to select animals based on genetic resistance or resilience to the disease.
The newly released predictions are designed to help guide breeding and replacement decisions by identifying cattle with stronger genetic potential for remaining healthy after weaning and surviving the feeding period. By incorporating these insights into herd selection strategies, producers can make long-term decisions that support both animal health and economic sustainability.
The platform now includes three genomic expected progeny differences (GEPDs) focused on BRD:
BRD Health (BRDH), which predicts the likelihood that calves will stay healthy and avoid treatment for respiratory disease after weaning
BRD Survival (BRDS), which estimates the likelihood that calves will survive from feedlot arrival through harvest without dying from BRD
$BRD Economic Index, which combines health and survival predictions into a single dollar-based estimate of the financial impact per calf
These predictions are built from feedlot health and performance data collected from more than 50,000 cattle across North America. As additional genetic and performance data are added, the system is updated regularly to refine accuracy.
As the U.S. cattle industry continues rebuilding herds amid historically high replacement costs, tools that support longevity, predictability, and herd health are becoming increasingly important. Because genetic selection compounds over time, decisions made today can influence productivity and disease resilience for generations.
For commercial producers, the new insights can help identify replacement heifers with stronger genetic potential across multiple economically important traits, including health outcomes tied to BRD. Zoetis data comparing more than 440,000 tested commercial animals found that calves from the top-ranked genetic group were significantly more likely to remain healthy and survive the feeding period, while also delivering an estimated net return advantage.
Seedstock producers can also use the updated testing to evaluate sires and bull batteries based on BRD-related genetic merit. This may help differentiate sale bulls, benchmark performance, and document genetics that support healthier downstream calf crops. According to company estimates, bulls ranking in the top quartile for the $BRD index could deliver a substantial lifetime economic advantage compared with lower-ranked counterparts when measured across the calves they produce.
By integrating BRD-related genetic data with existing predictions for maternal performance, feedlot outcomes, carcass traits, and adaptability, the new offering aims to give producers a more complete picture when making breeding and selection decisions.
