Feedlots
The feedlot sector is recognised as an intensive production system focused on raising and fattening cattle to achieve an optimal slaughter weight. This process can be divided into two key phases: the growing phase, also known as backgrounding, and the finishing phase, often referred to as fattening. Feedlots can be indoor or outdoor dependant on climate, and animals are fed a diet rich in grains and protein to assist in optimal weight.
Methodology
Purpose of feedlots: The main purpose of feedlots is to maximise the efficiency of food production. When supplemental feed is required, this feed is often not grown on the same farm as the animal, confinement to a feedlot gives farmers control over bringing food to the animals for consumption. Beef cows are often farmed on pasture for several months before being confined to a feedlot where their diets are strategically controlled to ensure appropriate weight is achieved.
Feedlot finishing vs Pasture Finishing: Pasture raised cows typically require longer time on the farm to reach optimal weight for slaughter. For cows, this is typically 18-24 months. When cows are finished in a feedlot, their diet is rich in protein and grains, which allows for a more rapid weight gain, and requires less time on farm, typically 14-18 months.
Cooperative on-farm composting: This approach involves mixing manure from feedlots with crop leftovers from grain fields to make compost. This compost can then be used to improve the soil on those same grain fields, enriching it with organic matter and essential nutrients, and offers a method to manage manure effectively.
Using technology for better decisions: Tools like decision support systems provide precise data that helps optimise feedlot operations. This leads to better feed management and healthier cattle while supporting sustainable farming practices. Remote monitoring systems can sense changes in temperature, feed levels, humidity, and air quality to provide real-time data to alleviate potential issues. These insights can help refine management practices and support better decisions, boosting efficiency and profitability.
Remote Weighing Systems: These systems give feedlot operators real-time, accurate data on cattle weights. This ensures that feed is given efficiently, reducing waste and improving how manure is managed. By avoiding overfeeding, cattle produce less waste, and nutrients are used more effectively, promoting better manure management.
Key Benefits
- Centralised livestock management: By having livestock centralised in one area, feed can be accurately distributed and controlled, and animals can be monitored efficiently.
- Efficient feeding and manure management: Having precise, real-time data on cattle weights ensures feed is used efficiently, which minimises waste and supports better manure management.
- On-farm composting: For grain producers, composting on the farm offers a sustainable way to boost soil fertility while cutting down on the need for commercial fertilisers.Compost can also prevent erosion by retaining water, reduce run-off, establish vegetation, and retain pollutants which could improve downstream water quality.
- Informed decision-making for feedlot operators: Accurate cattle weight data allows feedlot operators to make better decisions, promoting cattle health and reducing the need for commercial fertilisers through more sustainable practices.
- Climate adaption: Feedlots can be used during poor seasonal conditions, such as droughts, to ensure cattle meets the required weights for consumer demand.
Key Challenges
- Sediment runoff: Inadequate waste management in feedlots can lead to runoff from animal waste, contaminating nearby farmland and public water sources. This increases of environmental harm and risk of disease spread.
- Increasing demand: The demand for animal protein will increase significantly in the coming years to accommodate an increasing population.
- Digestive disorders: The transition from a pasture diet to a feedlot diet can lead to digestive disorders in cattle, such as acidosis, which is an imbalance of acid in the rumen.
- Weather impacts: Outdoor feedlots are affected by the weather, which can harm cattle's health. Rain can make the ground muddy, lowering cattle's body temperature and causing foot rot. On hot days, cattle can overheat, which leads to heat stress. Heat stress can impact weight gain, milk production, and fertility in cattle.
- Cattle health: Feedlots can increase the chance of some disorders, such as acidosis and respiratory diseases when compared to a less-intensive pasture-based system. There can also be increased fertility and metabolic issues in feedlots.
- Global impacts: Global conflicts, extreme weather, and supply chain disruptions can impact the availability and cost of feedlot supplements, making it challenging to get feed to farms. For example, the price of wheat spiked globally in February 2022 due to similar factors. While the current risk level is low to moderate, it’s important to have a backup plan in place to handle potential disruptions if the situation changes.
The global beef industry is facing growing challenges due to increasing populations and limited land. To keep up, beef production needs to become more efficient and sustainable. Around the world, beef is produced in different ways—from large, pasture-based operations to more intensive feedlot systems—in places like the USA, Europe, Brazil, China, Argentina, India, and Australia. Key factors like maternal productivity and growth rates play a big role in overall efficiency. As the industry evolves, focusing on innovation and ongoing assessments is crucial to balance productivity with environmental sustainability and profit.
Case Study
In a survey spanning 73 feedlots across seven Brazilian states, a massive 831,450 animals were finished. Surprisingly, only 20% of the manure was composted, while 59% of it was used as fertilizer, helping farmers cut down on costly synthetic alternatives. Feedlots representing nearly half the animals reported equal or better yields in their crops and pastures using manure over traditional fertilizers. About 32% also saw an increase in soil organic matter, which supports long-term soil health. The survey highlighted an economic benefit through reduced reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
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