Stress plays a huge role in the performance of cattle in a feedlot. Stress is mainly unavoidable and sometimes uncontrollable (weather). However, there are ways to reduce the many stressors we can control. Stressors on cattle cause the release of cortisol, suppressing their immune system – leaving them more susceptible to disease and setting them up to be a failure-to-thrive calf. We must reduce stress at every opportunity to produce high-quality cattle in feedlots.

Before receiving cattle, the fi rst thing to do is set appropriate expectations and formulate a plan. Knowing the history of the calves (high risk, moderate risk, low risk) you are receiving will determine the health protocols you will implement once the calves are on your site. High-risk calves: multiple sources, comingled recently, unvaccinated, long travel VS. Low-risk calves: one source that has been together for more than 45 days, vaccinated more than three weeks prior, short travel. Receiving calf protocols can/should include some or all of the following: vaccines, deworming, implants, metaphylactic antibiotics, and type of feed/ration to start the cattle. A receiving calf protocol can be set up by working with your local veterinarian to determine the best vaccination plan for the calves you bring into your feedlot (high, moderate, or low-risk groups of calves).

On arrival, it is essential to understand the stress level of the incoming calves, which is mainly based on travel distance and will result in fatigued and dehydrated cattle. Before processing the incoming cattle, it is essential to allow at least 1 hour of rest for every 1 hour spent in transport to acclimate the animals to their new environment and allow them recovery time. Bedding should be provided to keep the environment clean and dry, especially during cold/wet times of the year. Water is the most important part of receiving calves – it must be of high quality and readily accessible (you might need multiple water tanks, especially for western calves that might not have been exposed to automatic waterers).

We can reduce stress for incoming calves in a feedlot by providing high-quality feedstuffs and proper rations dependent on the calves’ risk levels (high vs. low). Feed intakes should be continually monitored throughout the feeding period, especially during the starter ration. Feed delivery should be consistent and methodical to result in good feed intakes. The best practice is to deliver the feed at the same time every day (ideally feeding twice daily), providing consistent ingredients and proper mixing of the TMR. Nutritionists can test your feedstuffs, formulate rations for incoming calves (dependent on calves’ risk level), and help you and your cattle be as efficient as possible.

Good health/vaccine protocol, high-quality nutrition, and proper management are the keys to reducing stress for incoming calves in a feedlot. Please reach out to your local Sioux Nation Ag Center veterinarian and nutritionist to help you efficiently produce high-performing feedlot cattle.