As the demand for beef production in South Africa is very high, cattle farmers need to ensure that new feedlots are constructed taking economic viability, environmental sustainability, and the welfare of the animals into consideration. At Chemvet Steel & Fencing, we are committed to minimising the stress of cattle and personnel during handling and would like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of constructing feedlots in a manner that will assist in production.
How do Feedlots Help Farmers?
The purpose of cattle feedlots in South Africa is to keep the animals in pens and fed on a diet that has varying nutritional properties, which are higher in digestible grains and lower in roughage, thereby increasing weight, muscle, and fat gain. Feedlots provide more control, get cattle to their intended weight quicker, and make it more manageable for farmers to dispense medication and observe the animals for any nutritional problems or other conditions.
Design Objectives for Feedlots
The design objectives of feedlots are to maximise construction efficiency, while economically factoring in the health and performance of the cattle and minimising maintenance costs as well as any environmental impact. Climate, seasonal conditions, labour, and proximity to abattoirs and major road networks also need to be considered.
Here are a few considerations you need to keep in mind before installing feedlots:
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Ensure that There is Sufficient Land
As the sizes of herds vary, make sure that the site chosen has room for expansion. We would suggest that areas for feedlots are, at a minimum, three times larger than penned areas. The additional land will come in handy for effluent irrigation and some manure disposal.
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Clearing of Vegetation
Factoring in environmental concerns extends to the removal of existing vegetation. Should the removal of natural vegetation pose a problem, it may be wiser to select a different site.
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Adequate Water Supply
Making sure that there is a constant and adequate supply of water is vital. Feedlots require sufficient and reliable water for suitable livestock drinking, which includes reservoirs or natural sources where water needs to be pumped and stored. We at Chemvet Steel & Fencing would suggest that there is always a secondary or emergency supply of water on hand.
As the principal objective of cattle feedlots in South Africa is to profitably produce beef of a high calibre for both national and international markets, their successful performance is measured by:
- Protection of the surrounding environment
- Adequate and efficient cattle feeding troughs
- Drainage of effluents to prevent odours and reduced cattle performance
- Successfully maintaining the profitability of the feeding operations
- Workplace health and safety
Feedlots are complex systems that are made up of several components that need to be carefully integrated to ensure efficient optimisation. The layout of feedlots needs to incorporate maximum profitability without compromising the welfare of the cattle. Construction of new feedlots or expansion of existing feedlots requires adequate planning, which we will gladly assist you with.
Reputable Steel and Fencing Supplier
With a footprint that extends deep into Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond our shores, we at Chemvet Steel & Fencing are the preferred manufacturer and supplier of steel and fencing products locally and internationally.
As our passion lies in the agricultural sector, we have successfully assisted in the planning and implementation of several cattle feedlots. For over 40 years, we have been the go-to specialists for steel, fencing, and poultry houses. Contact us to find out more about how our steel and fencing products and solutions can work for you.
