Animal and Range
Sciences Facilities
Beef Feedlot Research Unit
SDSU Feedlot
Dr. Robbi Pritchard oversees the
SDSU feedlot which is managed by Paul Schlobohm. The feedlot is designed to
facilitate nutrition research and it is considered one of the top research
facilities in the nation. Trials conducted here are designed to provide
data to help South Dakota producers make better management decisions.
The feedlot has 52, 25x25 foot pens that typically hold 8-10 head/pen.
There are also four dirt lot pens that hold 18-20 head/pen. Typically,
feedlots have large pens that hold 150-250 head/pen, so why do we have such
small pens? Because research is conducted to evaluate how product A
compares to product B. To accurately test the two products, a variety of
breeds, genetics and frame sizes of cattle must be utilized. If we tested
only product A vs. B with a group of Angus cattle then we would know only how
Angus perform when given either product A or B. This data set would be
valuable for only a small group of cattle feeders. Therefore, we have many
small pens so we can cost effectively test how many different types of cattle
perform to given treatment.
The larger dirt lot pens are utilized for behavioral type studies. Past
research has demonstrated that cattle can recognize only 17 other
individuals. Thus when cattle are put on the dirt lots with 18 or more
head/pen, they are socially disrupted. Their activity and response to
various factors are different than animals in the smaller pens.
Everyday the bunks are evaluated to determine the amount of feed that will be
delivered to each pen that day. We manage the bunks so the cattle consume
all their feed within a 24-hour period. We check health daily and follow a
health protocol for treatment of sick cattle. The pens are cleaned at
least once per week and in winter the pens are bedded with straw when
necessary. We also check water availability everyday and the tanks are
cleaned weekly.
The feeding facilities are rather crude and small scale but feeding gets done
accurately and efficiently. Feed ingredients are similar to those utilized
at typical feedlots. Concentrate sources are HMC and WSC often fed as a
blend. Roughage sources include ground grass hay, oatlage and corn
silage. We also feed a liquid supplement that contains the vitamins,
minerals, ionophore and feed additives. The protein source (i.e. SMB or
urea) is typically provided in a pelleted supplement made by the SDSU Feed Mill.
Proper construction of handling facilities is crucial to any operation. If
the facilities are well built, they will pay for themselves through reduction in
bruised cattle and dark cutters. Good facilities will make the process of
handling animals easier, more efficient and less stressful for both animals and
workers. We weight cattle about every 28 days prior to slaughter, with minimal
bruising and injuries. Both the weigh and load out facilities are designed
so animals move naturally, in circular motion, and the gates are solid to
prevent cattle from trying to escape.