A new Meat & Livestock Australia guide, authored by Dr Kev Sullivan, consolidates research-backed steps for producers to reduce stress, improve health outcomes and lift early feedlot performance.
The guide centralises research-backed practices to help grassfed producers send cattle that arrive ready to adapt and perform in feedlots.
Primary health risks in feedlots are grouped as bovine respiratory disease, digestive disorders, lameness/musculoskeletal problems, and pregnancy/urinogenital conditions.
Practical steps include yard weaning and bunk training, minimising time off feed and water before arrival, planning transport logistics, and meeting feedlot entry specifications.
# What the guide is and who wrote it Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has produced a practical best-practice guide to help producers prepare cattle for entry to feedlots. The guide was authored by Queensland feedlot veterinarian Dr Kev Sullivan and was promoted at the BeefEx conference. It gathers research-backed measures into a single, usable resource aimed mainly at grassfed producers, but also useful for lotfeeders, livestock agents and advisors.
# Why preparation matters
# Main health challenges identified The guide organises feedlot health risks into four groups:
It states the main drivers of poor feedlot health are low immune status combined with the cumulative stressors listed above. Identifying which factors apply to a consignment is the first step to applying targeted mitigation strategies.
# Practical pre-feedlot management steps The guide highlights concrete management techniques grounded in good stockmanship. Key recommendations include:
# How these steps affect outcomes The guide explains that reducing stress and improving immune resilience before arrival increases the likelihood cattle will adapt quickly, have fewer health problems and perform more consistently. Simple, consistent handling that builds cattle confidence around vehicles, people, pens, bunks and water troughs is a recurring theme.
# Industry engagement and next steps MLA has scheduled a producer workshop that expands on the guide's content. The workshop will be held at Killara feedlot near Quirindi, NSW, on 14 October and targets breeders and backgrounders supplying feeder markets. Topics include breeding and preparation for feedlot performance, carcase feedback, breeding objectives and EBVs, and supply chain relationships.
# Where to get the guide The article notes the full guide is available via MLA and was promoted at BeefEx. Producers, lotfeeders and advisors are encouraged to use it as a practical reference when planning consignments to feedlots.
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