Beef Cattle Feedlots – How to Measure, Manage and Monitor

This chapter provides a framework to enable beef cattle veterinarians to measure, manage and monitor risk in a beef feedlot. Feedlotting involves the provision of an artificial environment in which animals are placed in a confined area and required to consume a pre-determined diet for the purpose of production. The chapter discusses the common and important conditions that have impact on health, welfare, productivity and profitability. There are four important factors that affect the profitability of a beef feedlot: the buying price of store cattle; the selling price of finished cattle; the cost of the diet; and the performance of the cattle. The top three conditions that impact on cattle performance in beef feedlots are respiratory disease, digestive disorders and heat stress. Feedlot management affects cattle performance through its effect on feed intake, weight gain and herd health. Managing risk in feedlot ensures the feedlot's financial viability and sustainability.