B.FLT.4030 - Best Practice Guide - Feeder Cattle Preparation

Summary

This project was undertaken to address the incidence of health and performance challenges in feedlot cattle, particularly stress, Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD), and poor adaptation linked to pre‑arrival management.

The guide synthesises industry data, research findings and feedlot manager insights to define best‑practice preparation strategies, including yard weaning, vaccination protocols, backgrounding, and transport management.

It demonstrates that well‑prepared cattle, through practices such as yard weaning and pre‑vaccination, adapt faster, experience fewer health issues, and achieve improved growth performance.

Overall, the guide highlights that aligning cattle preparation with feedlot specifications enhances animal welfare, feedlot outcomes, and producer returns.

Objectives

The project aimed to establish clear, evidence‑based best practice guidelines for preparing feeder cattle prior to feedlot entry, addressing key risks associated with stress, disease and poor performance.

It sought to consolidate research findings and industry expertise to define practical management approaches across weaning, vaccination, backgrounding, transport and cattle selection.

A core objective was to identify the factors driving morbidity, particularly BRD, and outline proven strategies to improve animal health, welfare and adaptability. 
Ultimately, the project aimed to support producers in meeting feedlot specifications, strengthening supply chain relationships, and improving productivity and returns.

Key findings

Best practice pre‑feedlot preparation, particularly yard weaning and pre‑vaccination, significantly improves cattle adaptation, early feed intake and growth performance, including faster weight gain in the first month on feed.

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) remains the primary health challenge, accounting for a substantial proportion of sickness and mortality, highlighting the importance of proactive health management prior to feedlot entry.

Key risk factors such as stress, co‑mingling, transport, and time off feed materially impact immune function, health outcomes and overall feedlot performance.
Aligning cattle preparation with feedlot specifications and best‑practice management reduces morbidity, enhances welfare outcomes, and improves supply chain performance and producer returns.

Benefits to industry

This project has supported industry by providing clear, evidence‑based guidance to improve feeder cattle preparation, reducing health risks and performance variability in feedlots.

By promoting practices such as yard weaning, vaccination and better pre‑arrival management, it has improved animal welfare outcomes and strengthened supply chain efficiency and producer returns.

MLA action

MLA has translated the project findings into a practical best practice guide for producers, consolidating research and industry expertise into a structured resource for feeder cattle preparation.

It has supported industry adoption by promoting key practices such as yard weaning, vaccination protocols and improved pre‑feedlot management.

The outcomes have also reinforced alignment with feedlot specifications and supply chain requirements, helping strengthen relationships between producers and feedlots and improve overall performance.

Future research

The project highlights the need for continued research into optimising pre‑feedlot preparation systems, particularly refining vaccination timing, backgrounding strategies and stress reduction techniques under different production conditions.

Further investigation into BRD risk factors and prevention methods is recommended, given its ongoing impact on feedlot performance and mortality.

The guide also reinforces the importance of stronger supply chain alignment and data-sharing, supporting consistent preparation standards between producers and feedlots to further improve outcomes.