These presentations were recorded at the Beef Facilities Conference and focused on cattle comfort and performance with four different barns. The accompanying papers are in pages 27-37 of the written proceedings.
Comparing Open Lot, Partially Covered, and Monoslope (Completely Covered) Systems
Robbi Pritchard, South Dakota State University (SDSU)
When SDSU rebuilt their cattle feeding facilities, the decision was made to compare three different systems:
- earthen lots with no overhead roof
- lots that are partially roofed
- a monoslope bedded barn in which the entire facility is covered
The feedlot manager tracked feed deliveries, cattle performance, carcass characteristics, and labor inputs for each system for two years.…