MLA launches guide to maximise feeder cattle financial returns
## Introduction to Feedlot Success
As the number of cattle on feed grows across Australia, a new guide compiled by Kevin Sullivan is helping producers make the most of this sector. The guide focuses on boosting feedlot health, welfare, and performance to maximize financial returns for producers.
## Preparing Animals for Feedlot Success
“Yard weaning is the single most important management thing you can do to prepare animals,” said feedlot consultant and veterinarian Kevin Sullivan. Proper vaccinations were the second most critical factor. Yard weaning teaches cattle that confinement is safe and helps them learn to eat out of a bunk, drink out of a trough, and be confident around handlers.
## Biggest Health Hits in the Feedlot Sector
Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) remains the biggest health issue in the feedlot sector, accounting for roughly two-thirds of all feedlot health issues. Animal health and welfare come down to immune status and stress levels, with high stress loads weakening the animal’s defenses. Proper vaccinations, particularly against Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Mannheimia haemolytica, and pestivirus, play a massive role in priming the immune system.
## Setting Up for Success
Yard weaning is a “simple and effective” tool that can pay dividends. It teaches cattle the confinement is safe, as well as how to eat out of a bunk, drink out of a trough, and be confident around handlers. The critical steps include a secure set of yards with space of about four square meters a head, good water and feed, supplied daily, and human interaction of about 10 minutes each, two to three times a day.
## Know Your Market Specifications
The backgrounding sector is critical to setting cattle up for success, but producers must tailor their stock to exact feedlot market specifications. This includes knowing the age, weight, frame score, and body condition score of the cattle. Producers must also ensure all animal husbandry, such as dehorning, castration, and parasite control, are done correctly with appropriate paperwork.
## Getting the Backgrounding Basics Right
Backgrounding should take a minimum of four to six weeks, although some feedlots prefer longer. The focus should be on “growing” cattle, rather than “fattening” them, with fatter cattle at feedlot entry tending to have slower growth and lower retail meat yield. This is also a time to ensure all stock are structurally sound and check temperaments.
## Transporting Cattle to the Feedlot
Transport is the last final hurdle. Travel should be kept under 12 hours, and if it stretches to more than 24 hours off feed, the rumen will start to shut down. By following these guidelines, producers can help ensure the health and well-being of their cattle and maximize their profits. The Feeder cattle preparation best practice guide can be viewed online for more information.
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