Feedlot Cattle

Feedlot Cattle

Feedlot Cattle Overview

  • The subject of this document pertains to the management and characteristics of feedlot cattle.

Part One

  • Focus of the initial discussion on feedlot cattle management.

Intensive System

  • Describes an intensive feeding system characterized by a high grain diet.

Characteristics of Intensive System

  • Most efficient feeding system when dealing with young animals.

  • Timeframes for Feeding:

    • Weaning occurs after 240 days.

    • Yearlings are managed for 120 days.

  • Objectives:

    • Increase weight gain and improve carcass characteristics.

  • Health Issues Associated:

    • Acidosis: A condition where the pH of the blood becomes too low, affecting overall animal health.

    • Founder: A painful condition affecting the hooves due to high grain intake.

    • Liver Abscesses: A common issue leading to economic loss and health concerns in feedlot cattle.

Structures in Feedlots

Shapes and Sizes

  • Feedlots can vary vastly in size and configuration.

Location of Bunk Line

  • Inquiry related to the strategic placement of the bunk line within the feedlot to optimize feeding efficiency.

Environmental Factors

Lot Condition

  • The condition of the lot has implications on cattle health and feeding efficiency.

  • Mud's Impact:

    • Mud in feeding lots can pull heat from cattle, leading to increased energy expenditure and associated costs.

Mound in the Feedlot

  • Consideration of physical modifications such as mounds to improve lot drainage and cattle comfort.

Bedding Considerations

  • Importance of using corncobs for bedding to enhance comfort and hygiene in feedlot operations.

Weather Considerations

  • An emphasis on managing cattle in varying weather conditions.

Windbreaks

  • Discussion regarding the role of windbreaks in protecting cattle from harsh weather.

  • Importance of having appropriate bedding for comfort during inclement weather.

Concrete Pads

  • Utilization of concrete pads to minimize mud exposure and enhance cattle comfort and health.

Feeding Strategies

Key Success Factors in Feeding

  • Strategies highlighted for effective cattle feeding include:

    • Preventing acidosis through dietary management.

    • Effective bunk management for optimal feed distribution.

    • Maintaining appropriate roughage levels in diets.

    • Effective storm management strategies to protect cattle during adverse weather.

    • Monitoring to ensure feed is kept fresh and appropriate, referred to as 'Bunk Up'.

Feed Processing Techniques

  • Processed feeds can provide a greater surface area, enhancing digestibility and animal performance.

Grind Sizes for Feed

  • Different grind sizes impact feed efficiency:

    • Cracked feed with a size of 2.45 mm.

    • Coarse grind.

    • Fine grind with a size of 0.89 mm.

    • Finer grinding typically leads to better feed efficiency.

Feed Ingredients

  • The discussion includes alternative grains such as:

    • Wheat

    • Milo (Sorghum)

Health Implications

Parakeratosis

  • Defined as a potential precursor to liver abscess formation in feedlot cattle, highlighting feeding impacts on health.

Gallbladder

  • Reference made to the gallbladder in context to overall animal physiology.

Forage Quality Assessment

Haylage vs. Forage Quality

  • Comparison between haylage and forage quality—specifically looking at the types of stalks and their nutritional value to cattle.

Negative Associative Effect

  • Explanation needed regarding negative associative effects in relation to feed transitions.

Roughage Levels in Finishing Rations

  • Research data highlights the impact of roughage on daily weight gain:

    • Daily Gain (lbs): 2.79, 3.23, 3.18 based on different roughage levels.

    • Grain per pound gain (lbs): 7.08, 6.53, 6.71.

    • Roughage per pound gain (lbs): 0, 35, 150.

    • % Abscessed livers: 41%, 32%, 20% correlating with roughage content.

    • Roughage was composed of 50% chopped alfalfa and 50% corn cobs.

    • Study conducted in Nebraska in 1969.

Feeding Equipment

Built-in Scales

  • Mention of technological aids such as built-in scales to measure cattle feed intake more effectively.

Bunk Readers

  • Implementation of bunk readers as a management tool to monitor feed distribution efficiently.

Monitoring and Management

Fines and Bunk Condition

  • Importance of vigilance in observing feed fines during feeding operations.

    • An ideal feeding condition is referred to as 'Just Right'.

Slick Bunks Impact

  • Noted that slick bunks should be avoided as they can affect feed intake.

Technological Advancements

  • Mention of the technology involved in feeding management, including a specific reference to a bunk reader and Facebook group related to Texas Feeders.

  • Example URL provided for further resources: https://clearpathrobotics.com/blog/2020/02/manabotix-creates-worlds-first-autonomous-bunk-scanner-using-warthog-ugv/.