The researchers have made significant progress in isolating the primary drivers contributing to this problem through a series of breakthroughs, with their latest study disproving the long-held belief that acidosis and high-energy diet intake are the sole cause for the development of liver abscesses.

“We confirmed that acidosis and aggressive grain feeding is not the only driver of liver abscess development, and our research indicates that pathogen presence alone is sufficient to cause an abscess,” says Broadway. “Therefore, if we can reduce the pathogen load and block its pathway to the liver, we can control the problem.”

Scientists are focusing next on identifying which bacterial pathogens are causing liver abscess formation, and where these bacteria can be found. Species of fusobacterium and salmonella bacteria were detected in the abscesses studied in the laboratory at LIRU. Since these bacteria can be found in cattle environments, they can reach the animal’s liver if they gain access to the circulatory system through lacerations in any part of the animal’s digestive system.

Animals are particularly vulnerable under some types of stress. This could be due to weather (heat/cold) stress, gastrointestinal (GI) disruptions, illnesses or the presence of other pathogens that cause inflammation of the GI tract. Management during weaning and relocation, such as when calves are shipped to new locations after weaning, may also trigger these conditions.

This study reveals nutritional management alone plays a less critical role in liver abscess formations than previously believed. This insight helps producers make more informed decisions about dietary management practices focusing on efficiency. Additionally, it allows researchers to redirect their efforts toward understanding the pathogens involved and the pathway(s) they use to enter the animal’s body and get to the liver.

Editor’s note: Maribel Alonso is a writer for the USDA ARS. [Lead photo by Lindsey Sawin.]

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 17, No. 6-B