Ensuring the well-being of cattle stands as a paramount concern for feedlot operators, reflecting a shared commitment to maintaining industry standards and animal welfare.
Providing shade or shelter structures has numerous advantages including:
Allows cattle to engage in their instinctual behaviour and promotes a stress-free environment.
The availability of shade has been linked to decreased respiration rates, lower panting scores, and reduced stress hormone levels in feedlot cattle.
Provides a crucial role in alleviating dehydration.
A positive correlation exists between access to shade and feedlot performance.
While it is a natural instinct for cattle to seek shade on hotter days, the absence of appropriate structures can lead them to employ alternative strategies, such as increased panting, or reduced feed intake. These coping mechanisms come at a cost, diverting energy away from growth and overall health.
Observations from feedlot operators indicate cattle subjected to excessive heat loads are not only more susceptible to bovine respiratory diseases but also exhibit variations in feed intake. In severe cases, these cattle may never fully recover their feed intake, underscoring the long-term impact of heat stress events.
For feedlots still contemplating the implementation of shade or shelter structures, several key objectives must be considered in the design and construction process.
While the ALFA Shade Resources Hub offers an extensive repository of information, feedlot operators are encouraged to seek professional advice from structural engineers to ensure the optimal design and functionality of shade or shelter structures.
This collaborative approach, coupled with informed decision-making, serves as a testament to the industry's commitment to animal wellbeing and operational excellence.
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