What science demonstrates | Novavet | Scientific review | Bovine health | Canada

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in beef feedlots, with significant economic consequences and increasing pressure on antimicrobial use. A distinct mechanism of action deserves the attention of practitioners: the administration of Bovine Appeasing Pheromones (BAP) as a complementary tool for BRD prevention through the modulation of the immune response to stress.

During critical events—weaning, transport, commingling, entry into feedlots—cattle undergo activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to cortisol release and an acute phase response (APR).

This APR induces suppression of lymphocyte function, elevation of pro-inflammatory acute phase proteins, reduced response to vaccine antigens, and an immune vulnerability window lasting several days to several weeks. It is within this window that respiratory pathogens (Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Mycoplasma bovis, BVD, IBR) find favorable conditions for their establishment.

Bovine Appeasing Pheromone is a chemical signal naturally produced by the sebaceous glands of the inter-mammary groove of lactating cows. It is composed of a specific mixture of fatty acids—palmitic, oleic, and linoleic—in precise proportions.

This signal is detected by the calf via the vomeronasal organ (VNO), a chemosensory receptor distinct from the olfactory epithelium. Stimulation of the VNO's V1r receptors triggers a neuroendocrine cascade that inhibits CRH release at the hypothalamic level, thereby reducing cortisol production. The animal remains physiologically calm, maintains its feed intake, and preserves the functional capacity of its immune system.

Critical point for clinical practice: the molecular precision of the formula is non-negotiable. Minor variations in composition prevent recognition by the VNO. SecureCattle^® (IRSEA Group, France — distributed exclusively in Canada by Novavet Inc.) is the product used in all published scientific studies on the subject.

The study by Hervet and collaborators, published in Animals in May 2021 (doi: 10.3390/ani11061545), is the most directly relevant for veterinary feedlot practice.

Population: 265 young Charolais bulls in four feedlot units in western France, average age 317 days, average weight 366.7 kg. Topical application of 5 ml of SecureCattle® (pheromone group, n = 159) or placebo (n = 106). Veterinary clinical examination at D8 and D30.

Respiratory Morbidity Results

Documented Immune Mechanism

At D8, IL-8 (CXCL8) transcript expression was significantly higher in the pheromone group (p = 0.004). IL-8 is a major chemotactic cytokine for neutrophils, playing a central role in resolving bacterial respiratory infections. A trend towards lower IL-6 expression in the pheromone group (p = 0.055) is consistent with a less severe inflammatory state.

The study by Vieira and collaborators (Animals, 2023, doi: 10.3390/ani13193033) evaluated 86 abruptly weaned Nellore calves, vaccinated on the day of weaning against IBR, PI3, BVDV-1, BVDV-2, and RSV.

These data indicate that co-administration of an appeasing substance at the time of vaccination optimizes vaccine investment return by preserving humoral immune capacity during the stress window.

On 100 Nellore bulls in a commercial feedlot, over a 108-day period, 880 km transport (Journal of Animal Science, doi: 10.1093/jas/skab322):

●        Overall ADG: 1.586 kg/day (BAP) vs 1.430 kg/day (control) — +10.9% (p < 0.001)

●        ADG adaptation phase (D0–19): 2.210 vs 1.789 kg/day — +23.5% (p < 0.0001)

●        Overall feed efficiency: 170 vs 160 g/kg — +6.3% (p = 0.05)

●        Hot carcass weight: 268.9 vs 260.1 kg — +8.8 kg (p = 0.03)

Optimal Timing

Administration 24 to 48 hours before the stressful event produces better results than simultaneous application with the event. The pheromonal signal must be perceived before the HPA axis is activated.

Application Protocol

Single topical application of 5 ml on the neck or between the horns. No injection. No withdrawal period for meat or milk. Compatible with all existing vaccine and antiparasitic protocols. Duration of action: 15 days.

Compatibility with Antimicrobial Reduction

Appeasing pheromones represent a non-pharmacological preventive tool with a distinct mechanism of action that is complementary to vaccination. The data from Hervet et al. (2021) support their integration into BRD prevention protocols as an alternative or complement to metaphylaxis in low-risk populations.

Is the effect observed at D8 (more clinical signs in the pheromone group) concerning?

No. Hervet et al. (2021) interpret this effect as a consequence of earlier and more effective immune activation. At D30, the pheromone group shows 3.5 times less morbidity.

Are the data generalizable to Canadian breeds?

The Hervet study (2021) was conducted on Charolais in France, directly applicable to Canadian contexts. Additional studies on North American breeds are underway.

Are there any known drug interactions?

No drug interactions are documented. The substance is composed of 1% natural fatty acids in a dermal excipient. Compatible with all common veterinary protocols.

What is the source of the product available in Canada?

SecureCattle^® is distributed exclusively in Canada by Novavet Inc. (Lévis, QC). The product is identical to that used in all published scientific studies, developed by the IRSEA group (Institute of Research in Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology), France.

Hervet C, et al. (2021). Appeasing Pheromones against Bovine Respiratory Complex and Modulation of Immune Transcript Expressions. Animals, 11, 1545. doi: 10.3390/ani11061545

Vieira DG, et al. (2023). Effects of an Appeasing Substance Application at Weaning on Growth, Stress, Behavior, and Response to Vaccination of Bos indicus Calves. Animals, 13, 3033. doi: 10.3390/ani13193033

Fonseca VGL, et al. (2021). Strategic administration of an appeasing substance to improve performance and physiological responses of Bos indicus feedlot cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 99(11), skab322. doi: 10.1093/jas/skab322

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