A Step-By-Step Walkthrough of the Modern Australian Feedlot Cycle
Most people imagine “feeding cattle grain” — but the real feedlot cycle is a tightly choreographed system involving data, welfare, technology, and logistics.
Below is the complete feedlot cycle, from induction to dispatch.
- Setting Up Animals for Success
Upon arrival, cattle undergo:
- Individual ID tagging (RFID)
- Weight recording
- Health assessment
- Vaccinations
- Parasite control
- Drafting into pens based on weight, sex, and breed
- Introduction to feed bunks and water systems
Induction is engineered to reduce stress and prepare cattle for high-performance growth.
- Adaptation Period (Day 1–21): Rumen Training
Cattle are gradually transitioned from forage to grain-based rations via three stages:
- Starter ration (high roughage, low starch)
- Grower ration (medium starch)
- Finisher ration (high starch, low roughage)
This protects the rumen, prevents acidosis, and stabilizes intake.
- Precision Feeding & Growth Phase
This is where Australia leads the world.
Key innovations include:
- Automated feed trucks with near-exact ration accuracy
- Steam-flaked barley, wheat, or sorghum to increase starch availability
- AI-driven bunk readers
- Probiotics, buffers, and mineral balancing
- Weather-adjusted ration formulations
- Walk-over-weigh systems to track live performance
Growth rates reach 1.6–2.3 kg/day, depending on program (short-fed, mid-fed, long-fed, Wagyu).
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