Managing the transition of receiving beef cattle into the feedlot

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).

Fytera Advance is a PhytoComplex for beef cattle. It is a natural product. Trials have shown that feeding Fytera Advance can improve Gain to feed ratio of feedlot cattle during the receiving phase18,19 and during the finishing phase20,21 (see Figure 3).

A pooled analysis of these 4 trials22 has shown that Average Daily Gain of feedlot cattle by 1.33% and Feed Conversion of feedlot cattle by 2.44%

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.
  
  Managing health of receiving beef cattle in feedlots
  
  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.