Nutrition of Feedlot Beef Cattle in New Zealand
K.T. Jagusch and A.R. McIvor
Lincoln College, Canterbury
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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1974, 34: 194-205
The principles and practice of feeding beef cattle in feedlots
are discussed with particular reference to the New Zealand scene.
Reasons for the increasing interest in feedlotting are given, and the
composition of common New Zealand feedstuffs presented along with the
requirements of standing cattle and examples of feedlot rations. The
importance of preconditioning animals to practical feeding programmes is
emphasized as is the need to prepare certain feedstuffs
("hays" and "grains") and supplement animals with
particular nutrients.
It is concluded that capital intensive units are required to ensure
efficient utilization of nutritional resources and that these should be
controlled by cooperatives. Farmers should feedlot only as an adjunct
to land-intensive agriculture, namely strategic off-paddock
supplementation.
Keywords: NZSAPAB;
Last Updated 24-08-2000
