There are three areas where consistency is necessary to optimize feed management: inventory, mixing of the total mixed ration (TMR) and the feedbunk.

Feedlots must adopt innovative strategies to maintain their competitive edge while upholding the highest standards of animal welfare.

With the fall calf prices setting up to be some of the highest since 2014, stocker and feedlot operations may be forced to purchase cattle that are higher risk than they are comfortable with when it comes to the chance of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in order to fill pastures and pens.

Even when a farm does everything right prior to feedout, silage piles that are subjected to less-than-ideal face management have the potential for massive spoilage.

“We know that how a transition cow completes her transition period really sets her up for her entire lactation,” Dr. Erin Horst, Ph.D., said as she began her presentation about the Best Practices for Transition Cow Success at the recent Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference. 

As the population continues to grow, the demands of consumers and the workload on ranchers and feedlot operations also increase. It is critical now, more than ever, to save time and streamline expenses to keep your operation as efficient as possible.

Acidosis, also known as bloat, founder or sticking an animal, is one of the most costly problems in the feedlot. Calves coming into the feedyard must learn how much, how fast and how often to eat without becoming acidotic.