Recent research has demonstrated significant economic and performance advantages associated with the use of FerAppease® (maternal bovine appeasing substance; mBAS) in finishing cattle. Estimates indicate an average return on investment (ROI) of $90.50 per head for carcass value and $60.00 per head for live weight when FerAppease is administered at both initial processing and reimplantation.

The Role of Stress in Feedlot Performance

Stress incurred during transport and feedlot arrival remains a critical challenge for beef producers, often leading to suppressed immunity, bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and subsequent productivity losses.1 In a 60-day receiving trial involving high-risk cattle, steers treated with FerAppease at processing and again two weeks later exhibited an 83% reduction in mortality, reduced stress markers, and enhanced immune function relative to controls.2 These findings were notable given that all cattle were subjected to standard stress-inducing practices including transportation, castration, and environmental adjustment.

Mode of Action

FerAppease is a topical formulation applied behind the poll and across the muzzle. Its active compound is a synthetic analogue of mBAS, a pheromone naturally secreted by the mammary gland to reduce threat perception in nursing animals.

According to Dr. Reinaldo Cooke, Ph.D., Burkhart Endowed Professor for Beef Cattle Research at Texas A&M University, “This study quantified the substantial benefits of FerAppease on high-risk cattle, not only improving animal well-being but also increasing producer profitability. The results also raise questions about potential benefits for low-risk cattle.”

Low Cost, High Return

FerAppease requires a minimal investment – approximately $3.00 per head per 10 mL dose for cattle over 200 lbs. – making it a cost-effective strategy for reducing stress across multiple production stages.

Dr. Rodrigo Bicalho, DVM, Ph.D., CEO of FERA, emphasizes, “Given the inherent stress of cattle handling – trailers, squeeze chutes, and other routine practices – we believe all cattle, regardless of health or risk classification, stand to benefit from FerAppease.”

Texas A&M Research: Application in Low-Risk Cattle

To test this hypothesis, a trial3 was conducted on 240 Angus yearling steers previously backgrounded and transported six hours to a research facility in Bushland, Texas. Following a 24-hour rest, steers were randomly assigned to receive either 10 mL of FerAppease or a placebo (mineral oil) during intake processing. Processing included vaccination, deworming, and implantation.

Steers were housed in 30 pens (15 per treatment, 8 steers each) and fed identical total mixed rations (TMR). On day 75, all steers were re-implanted and received a second application of their assigned treatment. The finishing period lasted 138 days.

Economic Outcomes

Pen-level economic analysis revealed the following (Table 1):

• Live weight ROI: $60/head ($480/pen) – 10:1 return

• Carcass value ROI: $90.50/head ($724/pen) – 15:1 return

• Cost of FerAppease per pen: ~$47.60 (two applications)

Table 1. Productive and economic outcomes of finishing steers administered FerAppease (mBAS) vs. control

Performance and Carcass Quality

Key performance improvements among FerAppease-treated cattle included:

• ADG: 5.14 lbs/day vs. 4.97 lbs/day in controls (+0.17 lbs/day overall; +0.30 lbs/day post-reimplant).

• Hot carcass weight: 984.2 lbs vs. 968.6 lbs in controls (+15.6 lbs).

• Marbling score: 508.1 vs. 481.7 in controls.

• Prime or Choice grading: 94.9% vs. 87.9% in controls.

“These results demonstrate not only improved weight gain but also enhanced carcass quality,” noted Cooke. “With FerAppease, there was no trade-off between growth efficiency and carcass value.”

Conclusion

Stress reduction is central to maximizing cattle performance and profitability. The evidence from Texas A&M indicates that FerAppease is an effective, low-cost intervention capable of improving average daily gain, carcass quality, and ultimately producer returns.

As Dr. Bicalho summarized:
“Stress undermines animal health, productivity, and carcass value. By mitigating stress with FerAppease, we create conditions for cattle to perform optimally – both on the hoof and on the rail.”

Bottom line: Reducing stress pays. FerAppease provides measurable gains in animal well-being and producer profitability.