What is the role of a feedlot in cattle production?

The role of a feedlot in cattle production is to serve as a facility where cattle are fed a high-energy diet. This practice is essential for finishing cattle before they enter the market for beef production. In a feedlot, cattle are typically provided with a specially formulated diet that is rich in energy, often containing grains, as well as supplemental nutrients essential for optimal growth and weight gain.

This high-energy diet enables cattle to gain weight more rapidly and efficiently compared to pasture feeding, where energy availability can be limited by the type and quality of forage. The concentrated feeding regimen in feedlots accelerates the growth process, leading to a more profitable production cycle for ranchers and feedlot operators.

By focusing on weight gain and feed efficiency, feedlots play a crucial role in the overall economics of beef production as they help meet the growing demand for beef while also contributing to animal health management and welfare, given that animals are monitored closely in these settings.