- Proximity to the source of animals for feedlotting
- Availability of clean and adequate water
- Availability of fodder/pasture
- Enough Space
Beef Farming
Feedlot Management Guide
Feedlot
It’s the practice of confining and feeding an animal, with a goal of quickly and economically finishing an animal for slaughter by increasing their size and weight.
Location of a Feedlot
Types of Feedlot Systems
01 – Partial Feedlot / Semi-intensive
Grass/Pasture grazing with low supplementation.
Takes from 90–365 days.
02 – Full Feedlot / Intensive System
Fed high energy dense concentrates, majorly grains and their by-products.
Takes 60–90 days.
Qualities of Cattle to Consider
- Genetics; Key in feed conversion efficiency. Pure breeds or improved crosses
- Age; Already mature animals especially for Intensive system
- Sex; Males are most preferred
- Live Weight; Recommended at least 240kgs
- Health; Animals free from diseases and parasites
PHASE 1 – Adaptation Phase / Transition (1–3 weeks)
Gradual transition from high roughage diet to high energy diet.
PHASE 2 – Fattening Phase
Feeding high energy dense diets.
Expected Daily Weight Gain
Gradual transition from high roughage diet to high energy diet.
Composition of the Diet
- Dry matter – 3% of their body weight
- Daily Mineral Supplementation – 150gms/head/day
- Concentrates – high dense grains and their by-products (Barley, wheat, corn, sorghum)
- Access to clean water at all times
- Can provide the animal with Molasses, minerals, urea (MMU blocks)
Animal Welfare Concerns
- Transport animals in well ventilated vehicles
- Transport at recommended speed (80km/hr)
- Handle animals with care while loading to avoid bruises
- Give animals water before transportation
Reasons for Condemning Animals / Carcasses
- Sick Animal
- Carcasses not fit for human consumption
- Drug residues – not observing proper drug withdrawal periods
Routine Practices
- Access to quality water
- Deworm animal when entering the feedlot
- External Parasites – regular spraying
- Multivitamin Boosters
Diseases
The most common diseases are:
- Bloat
- Rumen Acidosis
- Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
- Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)
- Anthrax
Management of the Diseases
- Good biosecurity measures
- Vaccination
- Gradual transition to high energy diets to control bloat and acidosis
Grading of Carcass
Factors considered while grading the carcass:
- Meat to bone ratio – good muscle conformation
- Finishing weight of the carcass – well hydrated animals give good weights
- Marbling effects – juiciness
- Fat color
Reasons for downgrading carcass:
- Presence of bruises on the carcass – due to poor handling and transportation of animals
- Colour of the carcass – Dark from stressed animals
- Flavor Change – stressed animals
For more inquiries contact:
Dr. Wamai – 0728 522 676
Choice Meats – 0791 569 543
