Livestock Feedlots
Feedlots are yarded areas where cattle, after having been raised on pasture, are held in groups in close confinement while being fed a grain-based ration.
The main purpose of feedlots is to help animals reach a certain weight as efficiently as possible. This happens through providing a steady, high-energy diet and managing the cattle to minimize health problems and stress.
Climatic variability was a significant catalyst to the development of the feedlot industry in Australia for beef production.
Price fluctuations and drought have been recurring themes throughout the Australian beef industry’s history, with water scarcity likely to become an even greater issue as climate change is forecasted to intensify in coming years.
Because of the nature of feedlots, it means it is easier to provide animals with consistent access to clean water and feed, certainly during poor seasonal conditions. However, there are growing societal concerns about the welfare of animals in intensive systems such as feedlots.
Fortunately, over 90% of cattle feedlots in Australia are accredited under the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme which means they are independently audited on an annual basis to ensure compliance with NFAS standards, rules and relevant legislation. These standards also include animal welfare considerations to ensure the welfare of cattle is not compromised.
NFAS-accredited feedlots must also comply with the National Guidelines for Beef Cattle Feedlots in Australia and the National Beef Cattle Feedlot Environmental Code of Practice.
The RSPCA’s view on feedlots and intensive farming systems is that whilst at the very least feedlots should be accredited under the NFAS, there is much more feedlots can do to improve the welfare on animals.
This includes ensuring the good health of the animals:
- Where sick or injured animals are quickly identified and treated
- Reducing stress during the transition period being in pasture to the feedlot, minimising the likelihood of bovine respiratory disease
- Access to clean, fresh water along with adequate fibre and roughage to allow cattle to ruminate and satisfy their need to chew
- Thermal comfort and shade, along with the space to allow for normal movement and rest
- Adequate drainage and suitable hard standing areas
- Most importantly, having a preparedness strategies to help cattle transition from pasture to feedlots for reduced stress and thus illness and compromised welfare.
When illness and compromised welfare can be so prevalent within feedlots and with holding capacities sometimes exceeding 50-300 head of livestock, The need for clean feed and water is extremely important when it comes to the infrastructure of a feedlot. It is said that 5litres of water is required for every 50kg of liveweight daily.
We recently published a blog highlighting the importance of clean water and the benefits it can bring. Have a read at: Water Quality = Yield
As mentioned previously, with feedlots being able to hold extremely high amounts of livestock, the need for high quality, durable, adequate feeding & watering facilities is highly influential to the feedlot success rate. At Mid West Concrete we specialise in the design and manufacture of quality livestock water & feedlot troughs. All our products are made using 40mPa concrete, steel reinforcing and in some cases fibre additives. Contact the friendly Mid West Concrete team today to learn more.