Feedlotting is a way of fattening cattle in a confined space with a balanced ration of grains and hay.
It can help you achieve consistent quality beef that meets market demand. But before you start, here are some things you need to consider.
Financial Analysis
The first step to start a feedlot operation is to do a financial analysis to assess the viability of the enterprise. You need to know the feed requirements, the cost of feed, the buying and selling price of cattle, the break-even costs, and the expected profit margin.
To do this, you need to have a clear idea of the type, weight, and number of cattle you want to feedlot, the duration of the feeding period, the target market specifications, and the feed ration you want to use. You also need to factor in the fixed and variable costs of the feedlot facility, such as land, labour, equipment, utilities, and maintenance.
You can use a spreadsheet or a calculator to estimate the income and expenses of your feedlot operation. You can also consult with an extension agent, a feedlot consultant, or a financial advisor to help you with the analysis. The goal is to determine whether feedlotting is feasible and profitable for your situation.
Feedlot Facility
The second step to start a feedlot operation is to build or rent a suitable feedlot facility. You need to consider the site, size, water, feeding equipment, manure management, and environmental impact of the feedlot. You also need to comply with the relevant regulations and standards.
The site of the feedlot should be well-drained, level, and accessible. It should have adequate water supply and quality, as well as electricity and fencing. It should also be located away from residential areas, water sources, and sensitive ecosystems to minimize the risk of odour, noise, and pollution.
The size of the feedlot depends on the number and type of cattle you want to feedlot, the space requirement per animal, and the layout of the pens, alleys, and gates. You need to provide enough space for the cattle to move, eat, drink, and rest comfortably. You also need to allow for expansion and flexibility in case of changes in the market or the weather.
The water system of the feedlot should provide clean and fresh water to the cattle at all times. You need to install water troughs, pipes, valves, and pumps that can deliver sufficient water pressure and volume to the pens. You also need to monitor and maintain the water quality and quantity regularly.
The feeding equipment of the feedlot should be designed to deliver the feed ration to the cattle efficiently and accurately. You need to choose the type and size of the feeders, mixers, wagons, and scales that suit your feedlot operation. You also need to clean and calibrate the feeding equipment frequently.
The manure management of the feedlot should be planned to handle the large amount of manure produced by the cattle. You need to collect, store, and dispose of the manure in a way that minimizes the environmental impact and maximizes the nutrient value. You can use methods such as composting, spreading, or selling the manure as fertilizer.
The environmental impact of the feedlot should be assessed and mitigated to protect the natural resources and the public health. You need to follow the best management practices and the environmental regulations for the feedlot industry. You also need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses for your feedlot operation.
Cattle Selection
The third step to start a feedlot operation is to select the right type of cattle for feedlotting. You need to consider the weight, condition, health, genetics, and market specifications of the cattle. You also need to prepare them for the feedlot by vaccinating, deworming, and castrating them.
The weight of the cattle determines the length and cost of the feeding period. You need to choose the cattle that have the optimal weight for your target market and your feedlot capacity. You also need to weigh the cattle before and after the feedlot to measure the performance and profitability of your feedlot operation.
The condition of the cattle affects the feed intake and the growth rate of the cattle. You need to choose the cattle that have a good body condition score and a healthy appetite. You also need to adjust the feed ration according to the condition of the cattle to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding them.
The health of the cattle influences the welfare and the quality of the cattle. You need to choose the cattle that are free of diseases, parasites, and injuries. You also need to prevent and treat any health problems that may arise in the feedlot by providing adequate veterinary care and biosecurity measures.
The genetics of the cattle determines the potential and the variability of the cattle. You need to choose the cattle that have the desirable traits for feedlotting, such as feed efficiency, growth rate, carcass quality, and marbling. You also need to use the genetic information and the performance records of the cattle to improve your feedlot operation.
The market specifications of the cattle define the expectations and the requirements of the buyers. You need to choose the cattle that meet the market specifications for your target market, such as weight, fat, grade, and quality. You also need to market your cattle at the optimal time and price to maximize your profit margin.
Feed Ration
The fourth step to start a feedlot operation is to design a balanced and economical feed ration for your cattle. You need to consider the fiber, energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins requirements of your cattle. You also need to monitor the feed intake, feed conversion, and growth rate of your cattle.
The fiber requirement of the cattle is the minimum amount of roughage needed to maintain the rumen function and the digestive health of the cattle. You need to provide at least 10% of the dry matter intake as fiber, such as hay, silage, or straw. You also need to avoid sudden changes in the fiber content of the feed ration to prevent digestive disorders.
The energy requirement of the cattle is the main factor that drives the growth and the fattening of the cattle. You need to provide enough energy to meet the maintenance and the production needs of the cattle, such as grains, by-products, or fats. You also need to balance the energy level with the protein level to optimize the feed efficiency and the carcass quality.
The protein requirement of the cattle is the essential component that builds the muscle and the tissue of the cattle. You need to provide adequate protein to support the growth and the development of the cattle, such as soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or urea. You also need to supplement the protein with the amino acids that are limiting in the feed ration, such as lysine and methionine.
The mineral requirement of the cattle is the trace element that regulates the metabolic and the physiological functions of the cattle. You need to provide sufficient minerals to prevent the deficiencies and the imbalances of the cattle, such as salt, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, or zinc. You also need to adjust the mineral level according to the water and the feed sources of the feedlot.
The vitamin requirement of the cattle is the organic compound that enhances the immune and the reproductive systems of the cattle. You need to provide enough vitamins to avoid the diseases and the disorders of the cattle, such as vitamin A, D, E, or B complex. You also need to consider the vitamin stability and the availability in the feed ration.
Health and Welfare
The fifth step to start a feedlot operation is to maintain the health and welfare of your cattle in the feedlot. You need to prevent and treat diseases, parasites, and injuries that may affect your cattle. You also need to provide adequate shade, ventilation, and bedding for your cattle.
The diseases of the cattle are the infectious or the non-infectious agents that cause the illness and the mortality of the cattle. You need to prevent the diseases by vaccinating, deworming, and isolating your cattle. You also need to treat the diseases by diagnosing, medicating, and recording your cattle.
The parasites of the cattle are the external or the internal organisms that feed on the blood and the tissue of the cattle. You need to prevent the parasites by controlling the flies, ticks, and worms that infest your cattle. You also need to treat the parasites by applying, injecting, or drenching your cattle.
The injuries of the cattle are the physical or the behavioral damages that impair the welfare and the quality of the cattle. You need to prevent the injuries by handling, transporting, and slaughtering your cattle with care and respect. You also need to treat the injuries by cleaning, dressing, and stitching your cattle.
The shade of the cattle is the protection from the direct sunlight and the heat stress that affect the comfort and the performance of the cattle. You need to provide enough shade for your cattle by using natural or artificial structures, such as trees, roofs, or tarps. You also need to monitor the temperature and the humidity of the feedlot to prevent heat stroke or frostbite.
The ventilation of the cattle is the circulation of the fresh air and the removal of the dust and the gases that influence the health and the behavior of the cattle. You need to provide enough ventilation for your cattle by using natural or mechanical methods, such as wind, fans, or sprinklers. You also need to check the air quality and the odor of the feedlot to avoid respiratory problems or nuisance complaints.
The bedding of the cattle is the material that covers the floor and the provides the cushion and the insulation for the cattle. You need to provide enough bedding for your cattle by using organic or inorganic materials, such as straw, wood shavings, or rubber mats. You also need to change the bedding regularly to keep it clean and dry.
Marketing
The sixth and final step to start a feedlot operation is to market your cattle at the optimal time and price. You need to consider the carcass weight, fat content, grade, and quality of your cattle. You also need to follow the proper transportation and slaughter protocols for your cattle.
The carcass weight of the cattle is the weight of the meat, bone, and fat after the slaughter and dressing of the cattle. It is the main factor that determines the income and the yield of your feedlot operation. You need to aim for the optimal carcass weight that meets the market demand and the feedlot efficiency.
The fat content of the cattle is the amount of fat deposited under the skin, around the organs, and within the muscles of the cattle. It affects the flavor, tenderness, and juiciness of the beef. You need to balance the fat content to achieve the desired marbling and fat cover of your cattle.
The grade of the cattle is the classification of the carcass based on the quality and the yield of the beef. It reflects the consumer preference and the market value of your cattle. You need to target the grade that matches the market specifications and the feedlot performance of your cattle.
The quality of the cattle is the overall assessment of the appearance, texture, colour, and smell of the beef. It influences consumer satisfaction and the repeat purchase of your cattle. You need to ensure the quality of your cattle by following the best practices and the standards of the feedlot industry.
The transportation of the cattle is the movement of the cattle from the feedlot to the slaughterhouse. It affects the stress, shrinkage, and bruising of the cattle. You need to minimize the transportation time and distance by choosing a nearby and reliable slaughterhouse for your cattle.
The slaughter of the cattle is the process of killing, bleeding, skinning, eviscerating, and splitting the cattle. It affects the hygiene, safety, and quality of the beef. You need to follow the humane and sanitary methods of slaughter by complying with the animal welfare and the food safety regulations.
Conclusion
Feedlotting can be a profitable and rewarding enterprise for cattle farmers, but it requires careful planning, management, and marketing. If you are interested in feed lotting, you can find more information and resources from these sources:
- USAID: [Feed the Future Zimbabwe Livestock Development Program]
- KZN DARD: [Feedlotting Cattle in KwaZulu-Natal]
- ProAgri: [Feedlotting made easy]
- UMN Extension: [Beef Feedlot Management Guide]
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