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Is your receiving protocol causing your cattle stress or is it seamlessly transitioning your calves and setting them up for future success?

The way calves are received at the feedlot can influence performance throughout the entire feeding phase. The ultimate goal is to get cattle on feed quickly, keep them healthy, and set them up for efficient gain. But that process starts long before the first bite of feed.

Keys to Reducing Calf Stress at Receiving

Here are a few foundational steps that can make all the difference:

• Prepare before arrival. Have vaccination schedules, processing protocols, and feed plans in place before new calves hit the ground.
• Allow rest after transport. Calves that have traveled long distances may need time to rehydrate and recover before processing.
• Maintain consistent feed intake. Avoid sharp increases that can cause the “yo-yo effect” of calves going on and off feed.
• Focus on fresh, palatable feed. A quality starter feed with the right protein, trace minerals, and immune support technology helps calves get AND STAY on feed.
• Encourage water intake. Strategic placement of cleaned water troughs and letting water run briefly can help new calves adapt quickly.

By addressing these areas, cattle managers can minimize stress and set calves on the path to long-term success.

Why Starter Feeds Matter

Receiving cattle face multiple stressors, shipping, commingling, diet changes, and environmental shifts, that compromise immune function and feed intake. A well-designed starter program helps cattle:

• Begin eating quickly
• Build immunity
• Adjust socially and nutritionally
• Avoid sickness and improve performance

Stress Care with RX3® Immune Support Technology

Purina® starter feeds like Precon® Complete and Stress Care® Supplement are formulated to help cattle thrive during transition. Each includes RX3® Immune Support Technology, a proprietary blend of prebiotics, probiotics, and plant extracts that:

• Primes the immune system to recognize and respond to pathogens
• Reduces morbidity and treatment costs by up to 58%
• Improves average daily gain and feed efficiency
• Supports antibiotic-free programs (non-VFD required)

Research has shown that calves fed Purina® starters with RX3® gained, on average, six pounds more within a 30-day period compared to control groups.

Stress Tubs 2.0: The Power of the Lick

Stress tubs are a proven tool to support receiving cattle, especially timid or freshly weaned calves that are slow to go to the bunk.

The updated Purina® Stress Tub 2.0 combines self-fed convenience with new technologies to maximize health and performance:

• Novel yeast source to support digestive health and consistent intake
• Zinpro® ProPath® 4 for highly bioavailable zinc, manganese, copper, and cobalt to strengthen immunity
• Kemin® KemTrace® Chromium to restore normal glucose balance during stress and support energy needs
• Cooked molasses base stimulates saliva production to buffer rumen pH and encourages both water and feed intake

Performance & Convenience

• Reduces morbidity and mortality
• Drives timid calves to the bunk faster
• Easy to manage in receiving pens
• Recommended usage: 1 tub per 25–30 head

The Bottom Line

Combining palatable starter feeds fortified with RX3® technology and Stress Tubs 2.0 creates a powerful system to:

• Improve health outcomes
• Enhance feed conversion and gain
• Reduce labor and treatment costs
• Support calves through the most stressful phase of their life

📌 Promotions are currently available on Purina® Stress Tubs. Talk with your FCS feed specialist today to learn how these tools can fit into your operation.