Upon arrival into the feedlot, receiving beef calves face several significant challenges that can impact their health and productivity. Proper management of these challenges is crucial for ensuring optimal growth and maximizing profitability. This article explores the primary challenges faced by feedlot operations when receiving cattle and highlights the role of innovative feed additives, such as hydroxy trace minerals and prebiotics, in managing these issues.

One of the first challenges is stress due to transportation, handling, mixing of animals from different origin and adapting to a new environment. Stress can lead to weakened immune systems, making cattle more susceptible to diseases. Moreover, it can result in decreased feed intake and poor weight gain. To mitigate these effects, feedlot operators need to implement strategies that minimize handling stress, provide adequate rest, and ensure a smooth transition to the feedlot environment.

Newly arrived cattle are at high risk of respiratory diseases and other infections. Effective biosecurity measures, including quarantine protocols and vaccinations, are essential to prevent the spread of diseases. Regular health monitoring and early intervention can help manage outbreaks and reduce mortality rates.

Receiving cattle coming from cow-calf operations are often weaned shortly before the are being transported to the feedlot. Transitioning beef cattle from a forage-based diet to a high-energy feedlot diet can cause digestive disturbances, such as acidosis and bloat. These conditions can severely impact growth performance and overall health. Gradually introducing the new diet and using feed additives that promote gut health can help mitigate these risks.

Feed additives play a crucial role in addressing nutritional and health challenges of receiving beef cattle, particularly hydroxy trace minerals and prebiotics, which offer significant benefits for the health and performance of feedlot cattle.

Hydroxy trace minerals, including zinc, copper, and manganese, are essential for various physiological functions. They have been shown to improve immune function, enhance rumen function, and support overall growth. Unlike inorganic sulfate trace minerals, hydroxy trace minerals are more stable and less reactive in the digestive tract, leading to better absorption and utilization. This can result in improved health and performance, helping cattle to better withstand the stresses of transportation and diet changes.

Trials1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14 have shown that feeding Selko IntelliBond improves fibre digestibility (see Figure 1) resulting in an increase of feed efficiency, average daily gain and hot carcass weight (see Figure 2).

Prebiotics are non-digestible feed components that beneficially affect the host by stimulating the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the hindgut. Improved hindgut health leads to better nutrient absorption, enhanced immune function, and reduced incidence of digestive disorders. By incorporating prebiotics into the diet, feedlot operators can support the gut health of cattle, ensuring they maintain optimal digestive function during the critical transition period. Feeding Selko LactiBute, containing rumen protected calcium gluconate, increases the level of volatile fatty acids in the hindgut (see Table 1), resulting in a shift towards bacteria that are beneficial for hindgut health15. Several trials have proven that feeding Selko LactiBute improves health of feedlot cattle and increases feed efficiency and average daily gain16,17.

To effectively manage these challenges, feedlot operators should consider the following strategies:

• Gradual diet transition: Introduce new diets gradually to allow the rumen microbiota to adapt. This reduces the risk of digestive disturbances and supports better feed intake.

• Biosecurity and health management: Implement stringent biosecurity measures and vaccination programs to prevent disease outbreaks. Regular health monitoring and prompt treatment of sick animals are crucial.

• Use of feed additives: Incorporate hydroxy trace minerals and prebiotics into the feed regimen. These additives can significantly improve immune function, gut health, and overall growth performance.

• Stress reduction: Minimize handling and transportation stress through gentle handling techniques and providing adequate rest and recovery time upon arrival.

Feedlots face a range of challenges when receiving cattle, from managing stress and disease to ensuring proper nutrition. By adopting comprehensive management practices and utilizing advanced feed additives like hydroxy trace minerals and prebiotics, operators can significantly enhance the health and performance of their cattle. This not only improves the well-being of the animals but also contributes to the overall efficiency and profitability of the feedlot operation.