By Novavet  |  Bovine Animal Health  |  Beef Cattle  |  Canada

There is a critical window in the productive life of beef cattle: the 15 days following weaning or entry into a feedlot. It is during this period that physiological stress peaks, the immune system is most vulnerable, and performance losses are greatest.

A study published in the journal Animal (Cooke et al., 2019) evaluated the administration of bovine appeasing pheromones (BAP) in these two contexts—weaning and feedlot entry—with two distinct experiments conducted on Nellore cattle under commercial conditions.

Population: 186 Nellore-influenced calves (73 heifers, 113 bulls), weaned at approximately 211 days of age. Calves were equally distributed by sex and weight into two groups: BAP (n = 94) and water/control (n = 92). Topical application of 5 ml to the neck on weaning day (Day 0).

Live weights were recorded on Days 0, 15, and 45. Blood samples were collected to measure plasma haptoglobin concentrations—a marker of systemic inflammation—and cortisol.

Growth Results

The advantage is concentrated in the first 15 days post-weaning—exactly where stress is most intense. After Day 15, both groups progressed similarly (compensatory growth effect in the control group). This confirms that BAP acts as a buffer during the acute stress window, preserving performance where it is most at risk.

Inflammatory Results: Haptoglobin as a Window to the Immune System

Haptoglobin is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to systemic inflammation. It increases during stress and infection—it is a direct biomarker of the physiological load carried by the animal.

Haptoglobin levels half as high in the BAP group at the peak of post-weaning stress indicate a significantly attenuated inflammatory response. In practice, this means that BAP-treated calves go through weaning with less HPA axis activation, less energy consumption for stress management, and a more readily available immune system to respond to respiratory pathogens.

Population: 140 Nellore-influenced bulls (~27 months), transported from 2 farms to a commercial feedlot (up to 200 km transport). BAP (n = 70) or water/control (n = 70). Topical application of 5 ml to the neck upon arrival at the feedlot (Day 0).

As with weaning, the benefit is mainly seen in the first 15 days—the most critical adaptation phase. After Day 15, compensatory growth in the control group mitigates the difference over the 45-day period. This highlights the importance of timing: BAP is a protective tool during the acute stress window, not a long-term growth stimulant.

Cooke et al.'s (2019) two experiments deliver the same message: the first 15 days are the window where BAP offers the most value. This is precisely when physiological stress is maximal, appetite drops, the immune system is most vulnerable, and treatments for bovine respiratory complex (BRD) are most likely.

●        At weaning: +28% gain in the first 15 days, and 47% reduction in haptoglobin = significantly attenuated systemic inflammation

●        In the feedlot: +14% gain in the first 15 days of adaptation = lower cost for one of the riskiest phases

●        Simple application: 5 ml per animal on the neck at weaning or feedlot entry

BAP does not replace vaccines or antimicrobial protocols. It creates the physiological conditions in which these tools are most effective: a less stressed animal responds better to vaccines, eats better, and mobilizes its immune defenses more efficiently.

Available studies indicate that administration 24 to 48 hours before the stressful event (weaning, loading) produces better results than simultaneous application. This window allows time for the pheromonal signal to be detected by the vomeronasal organ and trigger the inhibitory neuroendocrine cascade before HPA axis activation.

In the Cooke et al. (2019) study, application was made at the time of the event (Day 0), and positive results were still observed—confirming that even a last-minute application retains value.

Why doesn't the growth advantage persist after Day 15?

After the acute stress window, control calves recover through compensatory growth. BAP primarily acts as a buffer during the phase of maximum stress. The real economic impact lies in the avoided losses during this window: avoided veterinary treatments, preserved gain, and improved general health status upon entry into the growth phase.

Is haptoglobin a relevant indicator for producers?

Haptoglobin is not a routine measure on farms, but it is a reliable scientific indicator of the inflammatory load carried by the animal. High haptoglobin at weaning predicts an increased risk of BRD and performance drops. In the context of this study, its 47% reduction in the BAP group specifically translates to a less stressed immune system—and therefore one that is more available to defend the animal against respiratory pathogens.

Does BAP also work in heifers?

Yes. Experiment 1 by Cooke et al. (2019) included 73 heifers and 113 bulls, equally distributed between the two groups. The analyses did not report any difference in effect by sex. The observed benefits apply to both sexes.

Does it work if I only apply the product at feedlot entry and not at weaning?

Experiment 2 by Cooke et al. (2019) evaluated precisely this scenario—application only at feedlot entry—and documented a +14% gain advantage over the first 15 days. Both application times have value, and additional studies (notably Fonseca et al., 2021) have shown that administration before transport (rather than at feedlot entry) maximizes benefits over the entire fattening period.

Where can I get SecureCattle® in Canada?

Novavet is the exclusive distributor of SecureCattle® in Canada. Contact us at info@novavet.com or 1 418 929-7886, or visit novavet.com.

Cooke RF, Millican A, Brandão AP, et al. (2019). Short communication: administering an appeasing substance to Bos indicus-influenced beef cattle at weaning and feedlot entry. Animal, 14(3), 566–569. doi: 10.1017/S1751731119002490

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