Feedlot Diets

Once cattle arrive to a feed lot they are assigned a specialized animal feed which consist mainly of corn, corn byproducts,Milo,barley and other grains as well as roughage which consist of alfalfa,corn stalks,sorghum and other hay products, along with premixes composed of micoingredients such as vitamins, minerals, chemical preservatives, antibiotics and other essential ingredients that are purchased from premix companies. Feedlot diets are high in protein, to encourage growth of muscle mass and the deposition of some fat known as marbling. The marbling is desired to consumers as it contributes to flavor and tenderness. High grain diets lower the ph in the animals rumen, sometimes causing illness, diet rations are balanced based upon current and desired weights. Cattle may gain an additional 400 pounds during its approximate 200 days in the feedlot. Once cattle are fattened up to their finishing weight which can very, the fed cattle are then hauled to plants such as Cargil and Tyson to be harvested. Here is an example of a high protein feedlot ration consisting of steamed flaked corn used to feed steers weighing 950 lbs -1200lbs.