Growing Out And Fattening Cattle In A Feedlot

Most cattle sold through abattoirs are feedlotted. This new series looks at the basics of feedlotting and how an operator can increase profit margins.

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The live weight and fat content considered acceptable for slaughter cattle is determined by market demand. Animals can be fed in many ways to obtain a heavier carcass with the correct amount of fat within and over muscle.

In South Africa the most common practices include:

Grazing on veld

Steers remain on the veld until they are at least two years old before reaching a suitable carcass fat content. Cows fattened on summer veld achieve a good finish fairly quickly.

Planted pastures

These can be used for fattening and growing out animals. Better growth rates are achieved here than on the veld. Commonly, weaners go on to annual ryegrass pasture in autumn to be market-ready by Christmas.

Feedlots

Most cattle marketed through abattoirs come from feedlots, and this will be the focus of this series of articles.

In an on-farm feedlot, the farmer fattens young cattle in pens or large paddocks, using bought-in or home-grown feed. The livestock can be self-produced or bought in.

Commercial feedlots are the major finishers of beef. The feedlot owner, often a speculator, buys animals specifically for the feedlot. Ownership of the animals and the risk associated with feeding them becomes his responsibility.