Preconditioning programs for feeder cattle.

Over two-thirds of American feeder cattle originate in herds of less than 50 cows, and over 40% are finished in fewer than 200 feedlots . Preconditioning programs first originated in the late 1960's but did not become popular for another 10 years. A dozen states now have fairly uniform programs, with requirements involving certificates and ear tags, prior ownership, preweaning, dehorning, castration, grub/lice treatment, deworming and various vaccinations. Preconditioning programs have been criticized as not cost-effective, but proponents cite superior postweaning weight gains, enhanced sales, improved management, more uniform calves, and decreased morbidity and mortality.