Management Tips for Receiving New Calves Into Feedlot

One of the most critical times for cattle coming into the feedyard is within the first two weeks. Feedlot owners and cow-calf producers can use best practices for helping those cattle get off to a good start when entering the yard.

“The biggest thing we're trying to do is reduce stress the whole time,” says John Hepton, a cattle nutritionist and feedlot owner in Idaho. “We want them to come in and be handled quietly and correctly. We want them to come to a clean pen with plenty of space and dry conditions.”

Hepton says typically they let cattle sit one day and process them the next day, which is something he’s learned from experience.

“For example, let's say they were long-haul calves; we might let them go two days before we process them. Basically we’re wanting them to rest and be comfortable. And we’re always looking for early signs of pneumonia or BRD.”

Hepton says they typically we’ll feed them hay a day or two before introducing a ration.

“We’ll then introduce a palatable starter ration and avoid feeding too much starch early,” he adds.

Jessica L. Sperber, Nebraska Extension Feedlot Specialist says it’s important to offer familiar feedstuffs in the first seven days to “bunk break” cattle. She offers these suggestions: