Beef Feedlot Management Guide

This publication was produced for review by the U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID). It was prepared by Kamal Hyder, Ph.D., for the USAID Inma Agribusiness Program,
implemented by The Louis Berger Group, Inc.
Inma Agribusiness Program - USAID/Iraq
2008
Contract No. 267-C-00-07-00500-00.
 An Inma Agribusiness Program Publication Series
www.inma-iraq.com

Photo Credit: All photos in this publication are courtesy of Iowa Beef Indus-
try Council and the Beef Checkoff Program.

2008
The Inma Agribusiness Program and this publication are made possible by the
support of the American People through the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID). The contents of this publication are the sole respon-
sibility of The Louis Berger Group, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the
views of USAID or the United States Government.
 Beef Feedlot
Management Guide

2008
Table of Contents
Introduction 7
Economic Considerations 7
Feed Cost 8
Buying Quality Alfalfa-Grass Baled Hay 9
Buying Grain 10
Risk 10
Capital Expenditure 11
Economic Considerations 12
Building a Feedlot 13
Site 13
Size 13
Water 14
Feeding Equipment 15
Trough 15
Hayracks 16
Selecting Feeders 18
Weight and Condition 18
Preparing Bull Calves for a Feedlot 18
Veterinarian Check 18
Feed Ration 21
Key Ingredients 21
Fiber 22
 Energy 22
Protein 23
Minerals 24
Vitamins 25
Health and Disease 26
Animals Going Off Feedlot 26
Lameness 27
Pinkeye 27
Starting to Feed 29
Manure Management Plan 33
Operational Procedures 34
Statistics 35
Feedlot Construction and Equipment Needs 36
for Manure Management
 Beef Feedlot Management Guide

Introduction

Fatting beef cattle in a feedlot management system is an ef-

fort to achieve a consistent supply of quality beef that meets
market needs for premium quality. It allows producers to
maintain production when lush pasture is not available, to
achieve rapid growth with a balanced ration of grains and al-
falfa-grass dry hay, to generate a year round cash flow, and to
value-add ration components. Through good management,
preventative veterinarian practices, and balanced rations, the
cost per kilogram of weight gain can be less then the tradi-
tional feeding methods of feeding calves after weaning in
Iraq.

Economic Considerations
It is important to do a careful financial analysis to assess the
viability of a beef feedlot before committing resources to an
intensive feeding system. You need to pre-determine the
profitability of a beef feedlot program. You need to know the
feed requirements for a specified daily rate of gain, the cost
of that feed daily, the market weight you are targeting, the
estimated market price when finished, and the break-even
costs to achieve a return on capital investment.

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Beef Feedlot Management Guide

Feed Cost

As most beef steers require 12-14kgs of feed to produce

2kgs of live weight, ration cost are a major issue within a
feedlot operation. The amount of feed required will depend
on:

• the weight and health of the starting calves

• the quality of feed and a balanced ration
• the genetics of the steers
• the feed conversion ratio
• the target market weight

Most steers will need to be fed within a feedlot for 9 to 11

months when feeding for growth rate is the primary goal.
Survival feeding will require a much longer and more expen-
sive cost per kg of weight gain. A
diet of straw and poor pasture will
result with very little or no weight
gain. If quality feed is not available,
do not get into the beef feedlot
business.

When you are buying feeds consider

quality, continual availability, and
price. The major feed components
especially alfalfa-grass hay should be Feed grains

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 Beef Feedlot Management Guide

tested for energy and protein. Grains like barley or wheat do

not vary in feed nutrients much, but hay can lose nutrient
value by poor post-harvest methods, or waiting until the al-
falfa is in full bloom.

The protein in hay is in the leaves. Look for lots of leaves in

alfalfa hay. Contract the hay purchases and grain purchases
for both price and quality with a reputable feed mill, feed de-
pot, custom hay maker, or large hay producer with the
equipment to properly post-harvest hay.

Buying Quality Alfalfa-Grass Baled Hay

Before contracting a hay supplier, learn their harvesting and

handling methods. Alfalfa-grass fields should be cut when the
alfalfa is just starting to bloom. With the hot dry weather in
Iraq, the green hay should be mowed into a windrow with a
mower conditioner, and left in the windrow without dis-
turbing it until it is 15 % moisture. The time it takes to get to
that level of moisture will depend on the temperature and
humidity. If it is drier than 10%, the baling process will lose
too many leaves. During hot dry summer months, baling
might have to be done at night or early morning. The hay
provider needs to have the training and equipment to make
high quality hay. Alfalfa-grass hay will provide the lowest cost
protein available in Iraq, and protein is an essential nutrient
for rapid and efficient weight gain.
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Beef Feedlot Management Guide

Buying Grain

Barley, wheat, and corn are good

economical sources of energy. All
three are very close to each other
for energy feed value as long as
those grains are free of dust, molds,
and toxins. As shown in Table 2,
wheat is higher then barley for en-
ergy, however barley’s energy is eas-
ier for steers to utilize and it is
higher in protein. Generally, the
prices of these three grains are simi- Cattle feeding in a feed-
lar. lot

Fed in the proper balanced ration, barley, wheat, or corn and

good alfalfa-grass hay will provide the nutrients needed to
get a healthy steer to gain 1kg of weight or more per day
depending on hay quality. If the alfalfa hay is made at full
bloom or latter, or lost a lot of the leaves, then expensive
protein supplement will need to be added to the ration in-
creasing the daily feed cost.

Risk

Starting a feedlot involves financial risk. Animal deaths, dis-

ease, poor weight gains, and unexpected changes in feed cost
or beef market prices will affect the economic success of the
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 Beef Feedlot Management Guide

venture. When budgeting, always include some risk factors,

because problems are part of running a feedlot. Financial risk
can be minimized by ensuring:
• An adequate supply of quality feed and feed storage

on the feedlot site large enough to keep several

months’ supply on location.
• Contract feed supply for grain and hay

• Sound feedlot management

• Contract in advance the weight, age, and price for the

finished steers

Capital expenditure

A beef feedlot needs to be built with as little capital outlay

as possible. Well-designed facilities can be built, or existing
facilities may be modified to provide a suitable feedlot. Ade-
quate shade and water are essential in Iraq. Even with the
best of feed rations, beef steers will not gain weight if ade-
quate shade and water is not provided.

The biggest capital outlay when establishing a feedlot will be

for feed troughs, hay racks, fencing, gates, weighing and treat-
ing shuts, loading ramps, and shaded areas that are suffi-
ciently sturdy to retain large 400kg or larger animals. The
hay storage facility need only be a roof with no sides, but the
grain storage building needs to be rodent proof. There needs
to be storage bins near by for composting manure collected

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daily form the feedlot for latter sale as organic fertilizer. The
feed storage should be near the feed trough and hay rack to
save time and labor getting the feed to the cattle.

Economic considerations
• Every effort needs to be made in purchasing feeder

calves to select healthy animals and should be done

with an experience veterinarian.
• When purchasing feeders for a group, select similar

sized animals. Smaller animals cannot compete at the

trough with bigger cattle.
• Ensure an adequate supply of high quality alfalfa-grass

hay, and feed grains.

• When budgeting for the feedlot, figure on 2-3% of the

animals will be culled for low performance or die.

Example (beef for 1 year) Iraqi Dinars USD
Cost of 50kg calf at $3/kg 180,000 150
Cost of feed
3kg alfalfa hay/day at $.24/kg for 350 days 302,400 252
3kg barley grain/day at $.24/kg for 350s 302,400 252
Other costs 288,888 240
Total Cost 1,072,800 894
Sale of 400kg steer at $3/kg 1,440,000 1200
Profit 367,200 $306.00

Table 1 - Example of a preliminary budget

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 Beef Feedlot Management Guide

Building a Feedlot

Because of the narrow profit margin in Feeder beef feedlots,

designing and building a feedlot must take into consideration
both construction cost and a design to make the most use
of the labor.

Site

Select a well drained site with the proper slop away from
the shade shed, the feed bunk, and hay rack with easy access
to water. Place the hay storage cover and grain storage near
the feed bunk, yet easy access to the road for the conven-
ience of the hay and grain delivery. Depending on the loca-
tion in Iraq, the rainfall is very light so there should not be
much mud problems, but when rain does fall it could be
heavy at times.

Size

Feedlot size is determined by the number of steers to be

penned. As a guide, provide each steer with a minimum of
24 square meters of open space, and 10 square meters of
shaded area. Additional space will reduce social stress among
the animals. The Inma beef feedlot project has suggested

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eight lots of 50 steers each totaling 400 steers. Each lot will
need 500 sq m of shad, and 1,200 square meters of open
space for 50 steers.

Water

A plentiful supply of cool, clean, good-quality water is essen-

tial. Water should be in a trough and off the ground, to aid in
keeping it clean and free of manure and urine. This point can-
not be overemphasized especially in the hot dry tempera-
tures of Iraq. Poor-quality water - including contamination by
feed, dust, and feces - leads to a reduction in water intake,
and slower rates of gain.

Water troughs should be placed in a separate area away

from the hay racks and feed troughs. Raise them about
70cm above the ground with a 3m cement base on the
ground around the trough. That will allow ease of daily ma-
nure removal and avoid a mud problem near the water. The
steers will spill water. The trough should be large enough to
accommodate easy access for the number of steers to be
housed. It is recommended that the water trough should be
2.5 to 3m long and at least 60cm wide per 50 head. The wa-
ter trough should be cleaned at least once a day and more
often if it becomes contaminated with manure or other dirt.

The average intake of water per steer per day is about 50

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liters (2,500 liter per day for 50 steers, and 20,000 liters per
day for 400 steers). However, in Iraq’s hot summers; the in-
take will be larger. A dependable water supply is essential.

Feeding equipment

Alfalfa-grass hay must be available at all times. This will facili-

tate higher rates of gain per day which improves overall
feedlot efficiency. It also helps to reduce the risk of digestive
problems. The hay and grain should be fed separately, with
feed troughs for grain and hay racks for hay. Feed grain
troughs will require twice-a-day filling. The hay rack should
never run out of hay. A shade roof should be constructed
over the hay rack and grain trough to protect the steers
from the sun during the hot time of the year. Animals will
stand and eat more during the hot days if shade is provided.
Weight gain is in direct proportion to feed eaten.

Troughs or Feed Bunks

Allow a minimum of 25-30 cm of trough space per steer, and

place it at the opposite end of the feedlot from the shade
shed. Inma recommends that the feed bunk extent the entire
width of the lot or 20 m long for 50 steers. If more then 50
head are housed together, add 25 cm per head. It needs to
be long enough so all animals housed in the lot can eat grain
at the same time.
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The grain mix will be fed twice a day. Several configurations

are possible to keep the feeders from standing in the feed
trough or exiting the feed lot. Steel pipes or strong wood
head openings are recommended. The pipes can be vertical
or slanted but should be adjustable so the space between
changed for bigger or smaller animals.

The pipes through which the animals eat at the bunk need
to be about 25 cm apart and adjustable (cannot be welded!).
Or parallel pipes can be used that are close enough so the
animals can get their head through but not escape. The man-
ger should be made of cement.

Hayracks

Hay can be successfully fed in hayracks within feedlot pens.

Simple racks can be made from wood or pipe. The hayrack
should be off the ground at least 60 cm with a tray at the
bottom to reduce trampling and waste. A shade roof should
also be above the rack to encourage day time eating. The
hay rack can be in the pen where steers can consume hay
from both sides or along the fence where they can eat from
only one side. It needs to be twice as long if feeding from
one side. For 50 steers, the hay rack should be 10 m long if
along the fence line, and if in the pen where steers can feed
from both sides, 5 m long. The distance between vertical
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 Beef Feedlot Management Guide

pipes should be about 12 cm. Allow extra length to lessen

animal social stress.

Hay and grain should not be fed in the same trough unless
the hay is ground and mixed with the grain, or what is called
Total Mixed Rations (TMR). As beef feedlots expand in size,
a total mixed ration system mixer might be considered. A
400 steer feedlot is not big enough to justify the cost of a
TMR system.

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Selecting Feeders

Weight and Condition

Economic success is more likely in feedlots with healthy

calves that have just been weaned and disease and parasite
free. Be especially vigilant for pinkeye, and lameness. Live
weight information at regular intervals is important and a
fundamental requirement for efficient management so the
feedlot must have scales. Use them when selecting lambs,
and to monitor performance over time. Scales need to be
easily accessed so weighing can be done frequently. If select-
ing bull calves that will be housed together, select those
calves that are similar in size and weight. That will provide a
low-stress feedlot environment resulting in fewer problems.

Preparing the Bull Calves for a Feedlot

To make a profit in a beef feedlot two management proce-

dures are high on the list; 1) prepare calves properly to en-
ter the feedlot, and 2) prepare them for sale.

Veterinarian Check and Animal Identification

All animals must ear tagged, branded, or painted with an

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individual identification number.

This is essential for proper herd
management. All animals need
to be weighted on the feedlot
scales regularly to track weight
gain of each animal, and feed
conversion rate. A herd record
keeping book is available. The
feedlot design needs to have Calves should be clearly iden-
walkway along the side of the tified with an ear tag.
lot where animals must walk
through in single file. Scales with gates on both sides must be
built into the animal walkway. This will allow individual animal
weighing to record weights, and for veterinarian treatment
needs.

An isolation pen away from the rest of the feedlot, and not
sharing the same fence is needed to put all new animals into
for the first 3 weeks. That is to avoid introducing any new
diseases to the rest of the feedlot animals. While in the isola-
tion pen the veterinarian must check all calves for pinkeye,
lameness, and any other diseases, and treat all animals with a
broad-spectrum de-wormer.

Calves should be vaccinated for any known cattle diseases

that are common in the region where the calves were
bought, and given a shot intramuscularly with vitamins A, D,
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Beef Feedlot Management Guide

E, and B12. The neck or ear area is the best site for vaccina-
tions so damage is not done to the carcass. The calves
should also be castrated at this time.

This procedure is needed for meat quality in the finished

steer, and for safety of workers. A pen full of healthy bulls
can be very dangerous for workers. A castrated bull be-
comes a steer. Banning the bulls at purchase time is pre-
ferred to surgical castration.

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Feed Ration

The feed ration will contain grain, forage, and necessary min-
erals such as calcium, phosphorous, salt, and trace minerals.
Additional additives may be needed to improve steer weight
gain, depending on the quality of the grain and hay. Feed con-
tamination by moulds, dust or rodents is a common reason
for low dry matter intakes and poor performance.

Key Ingredients

Steers need three key ingredients from the ration – energy,

protein, and fiber – in order to grow to market weights as
economically as possible. In Iraq, the most economical
sources of energy are grains like barley, wheat, or corn.
These grains also provide some protein but are primarily fed
for energy. Protein in the ration can come from soybean oil
meal, or other oil seed meals, and alfalfa-grass hay. On a cost
per kilogram of protein basis, early cut alfalfa-grass hay dried
and baled properly is the lowest cost protein for steers
presently in Iraq. In fact top quality alfalfa-grass hay and bar-
ley grain fed in the proper balance will provide most of the
energy, protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins needed for
growing steers to market weight profitably. (See Table 2 for
energy, protein and fiber levels of common feeds in Iraq)

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Fiber

Beef cattle are ruminants; therefore they also need some fi-
ber. Straw is a common feed fed in Iraq. It is high in fiber, but
very low in energy and protein, and is not a feed. Straw
should be used for bedding or left in the field and plowed
down to build soil structure. Alfalfa-grass hay also has fiber
but at much lower levels. So a well balanced ration of barley,
and alfalfa-grass hay not only provided most of the protein
and all energy needed but also all the fiber needed. Too
much fiber limits Dry matter intake, and stunts growth.

Energy

Energy is provided through the breakdown of carbohydrates,

protein and oils/fats within the rumen and small intestine.
Starch is the most common form of carbohydrates and
found in cereal grains. Feeding excess protein can be used to
provide additional energy for feedlot steers; however, it is
less efficient than starch digestion.

Oils/fats are energy-rich forms which provide as much as

2.25 times the energy of starch. Unfortunately, levels ex-
ceeding 7% in the ruminant diets can lead to a decrease in
rumen efficiency.

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Protein

Protein is necessary for muscle development and appetite.

Inadequate protein can lead to a reduction in rumen bug
numbers and activity, a reduction in intake, and slower
weight gains. Crude Protein (CP) requirements vary accord-
ing to the rations energy content and the steer’s age and live
weight. Young lightweight calves require higher levels of pro-
tein at any given energy intake due to their higher require-
ment for muscle development.

Urea is a cheap form of non-protein nitrogen that the rumen

microbes are able to turn into protein for the steer’s use.
Urea can be included in the ration but not to exceed 1%-2%
of the ration and must be mixed into the grain evenly.
Calves under 100kg of weight should not be fed urea be-
cause their rumens are still developing. If urea is used in the
ration, it should be introduced slowly over 10 to 14 days,
and must be evenly mixed into the ration. Urea is converted
to crude protein by first being converted to ammonia by the
rumen microbes. A sudden increase of ammonia can cause
death.

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Key ingredients %CP NEm NEg %ADF % NDF

Barley 13.5 2.07 1.41 7 19
Wheat 11.3 2.20 1.52 4 14
Corn 10.0 1.30 3 9
1.94
SBOM 49.0 2.07 1.41 10 15
Alfa-G Hay 18.0 1.32 0.75 31 42
Straw 3.6 0.75 0.22 54 85

Table 2 – Energy, protein, and fiber in common Iraq feeds

SBOM = Soybean Oil Meal; %CP = Percent Crude Protein; NEm

= Net Energy for maintenance; NEg = Net Energy for growth; %
ADF = Percent Acid Detergent Fiber; and %NDF = Percent Neu-
tral Detergent Fiber. Energy information on the feeds is listed as
Magi calories per kilogram. (Note that straw is very low in all im-
portant nutrients and too high in fiber)

Minerals

Steers need a range of minerals to maintain good health.

Three are important in Iraq calcium, phosphorous, and salt.
Most cereal based rations provide enough of the trace min-
eral needed with the exception of calcium phosphorous and
salt. However, alfalfa hay is high in calcium but low in phos-
phorus, and when that is part of the ration, calcium does not
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 Beef Feedlot Management Guide

need to be feed however phosphorous might need to

be added to the ration. So in the beef feedlot project
salt must be provided and phosphorous might need
to be added. In the Inma sponsored feedlot project,
the hay and grain feed will be tested for mineral con-
tent. Calcium, phosphorous, salt, and trace minerals
will be added to the grain mix to balance the needs
not provided by the hay and grain. Loose ground salt
available free choice must also be provided in the
feedlot. Salt blocks will not provide the salt needed. A
steer would have to stand there all day and do noth-
ing but lick salt to get enough sodium.

Vitamins

Vitamins will be added to the grain mix in small

amounts if needed, however, it is recommended that
the calves be given shots of vitamins A, D, E and B12
when they first come into the feedlot in the neck or
ear area. High quality alfalfa-grass hay will help to
correct many mineral and vitamin deficiencies.

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Health and Disease

There are numerous health and disease issues commonly

found within a feedlot system. Many are preventable, through
vaccinations for common diseases (follow veterinarian’s rec-
ommendations), vitamin shots when entering the feedlot,
proper balanced feed rations, and good daily management.

To follow are some of the more common health and/or dis-

ease issues found within feedlot systems. The local veterinar-
ian should assist with the diagnosis and management of all
health and/or disease related issues. This pamphlet will focus
on preventive management that will control or eliminate
these problems.

Animals Going Off Feed

Calves that are not accustomed to grain and started on

grain too fast are prone to going off grain. This is most likely
to occur when:

• Calves are being introduced to grain

• There is a sudden increase in grain intake

• There is a sudden change of grain in the ration

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• When animals are sick

Gradual introduction of the grain content in the rations is

essential when calves first come into the feedlot. Loose
droppings are an early indication of digestive disorders.
However, this problem could occur at any time during the
fattening process. Every steer in all pens should be observed
twice a day to catch problems early. If loose droppings are
observed, stop increasing grain for a few days until they firm
up again.

Lameness

Sore feet will cause animals to go off feed. If it hurts to walk,

they will not get up and walk to the hayrack or feed bunk,
and will not compete with the healthy animals for grain.
Daily observation of the animals is important. If an animal
shows the slightest limp, the vet must check there feet for
burses, or foot rot. The earlier a foot problem is seen, the
quicker the animal gets back to gaining weight. If you wait
until an animal is walking on three lags before treatment, you
will have lost all your profit on that animal.

Pinkeye

Pinkeye is common in feedlot cattle, and must be detected

and treated early before the animal goes blind. Blind cattle
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cannot see to find feed or water. Daily observation is essen-

tial. The problem is easily detected early with watery eyes. In
the advanced stage, the eyes turn white in the pupil. At that
stage, the disease can be stopped, but eye damage has al-
ready occurred.

Most of the diseases and deficiencies can be prevented through

good feeding and management procedures. Animals getting a ra-
tion that provides all the protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins
needed have much more resistance to diseases then poorly fed
animals.

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Starting to Feed

Rations used for feedlots increase in volume or weight as

the steers gain weight starting with calves that weigh 50 to
100kg, and finishing with steers weighting 400 or more kilo-
grams.

• The starter ration allows the weaned calves to be-

come accustomed to the grain mix and the alfalfa-
grass hay.
• The alfalfa-grass hay should be tested by a forage lab

to determine the protein, energy, vitamins, and miner-

als contents. Inma has access to a forage laboratory.
From those test, a grain mixture is developed to pro-
vide the additional nutrients needed to gain 1kg of
body weight or more per day.
• Alfalfa-grass hay must be available 24 hours a day in a

hay rack in each pen.

• The grain mixture will be fed twice a day, early morn-

ing and late evening.

• The amount will be set periodically as the animals gain

weight. (See Table 3)

Each steer should be weighed twice a month and the weight

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Beef Feedlot Management Guide

recorded. To do that each calf must be identified with an ear

tag or other method of identification the first day at the
feedlot, and that information recorded in the herd record-
keeping book. From that information of bi-monthly body
weights the manager can track each animal and the whole
pen to see if the expected rate of gain is being achieved. If
not the problem must be found. If the expected rate of gain
is not being achieved or if one or two animals are not keep-
ing up with the rest, it could be for the following reasons:
• The balanced ration or grain mix is not correct.

• The feed mill is not putting the proper amounts of

protein or energy in the grain that was ordered.

• The employees are not feeding the amounts of grain

that they should

• The hay rack is not full all the time

• The animals are not genetically capable of gaining

weight at the expected rate. If that is the case, the

amount of grain needs to be reduced. If it is just one
individual, that animal needs to be removed from the
lot.
• There could be a disease or parasite problem and the

animals need to be checked by the veterinarian and

treated.

It is critical that good quality alfalfa-grass hay is available in

the hay rack 24 hours a day so the steers can eat when ever
they want. As the animals gain weight, they will eat more
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feed each day.

Animal weight in kg Grain Fed / head/day
50 to 100 gradually increase grain until
eating 1.75kg / day
150 2kg
200 3kg
250 3.5kg
300 4kg
350 4.5kg
400 4.7kg

One Ton Grain Mix when alfalfa-grass hay is available 24

hours a day
Grain schedule
Cracked, rolled, or course 995.02kg
ground Barley, corn, or
wheat
Ground white salt 1.66kg
Vitamins A, D, & E 1.66kg
Mineral Mix 1.66kg
Total Tone batch 1000.00kg

Table 3 – Suggested grain schedule for animals as they in-

crease in weight and having high quality alfalfa-grass hay
freely available 24 hours a day

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The mix is only suggested if high quality alfalfa-grass Hay is

available 24 hours a day. The hay will provide the protein
and most of the minerals needed for growing steer so they
can gain 1kg of body weight per day. If straw or poor quality
hay or pasture is fed, then expensive protein supplement
must be added to the grain mix greatly increasing you feed
cost. If the protein requirements are not met, animals will
gain at a much slower rate, at a much great cost per kilo of
body weight gain.

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Manure Management Plan

The Feedlot Project will include both beef cattle and lambs
in separate operations. Each lot will when at full capacity in-
clude 400 head of steers, and 400 lambs. All animals will be
fed balanced rations for maximum profitable weight gain per
day. Besides the production of premium beef and lamb for
the public, these lots will product a valuable by-produce,
manure. The manure management plan for the feedlots will
include: 1) daily collection of manure; 2) composting of the
manure; and 3) distribution of the compost to local grain
and alfalfa-grass hay growers. Cattle manure is a low cost or-
ganic fertilizer that will provide plant nutrients, improve soil
microbes, and improve organic soil structure, but can cause
environmental problems if not properly stored or applied to
the crop fields.

Because of the low average rain fall in Iraq (2 – 8 cm) and

the sandy soils, feedlot runoff will not be a problem when
manure is manually removed on a daily bases. However, the
manure storage area (two compartment composting center)
will have a concrete floor and wood or concrete sides to re-
tain any runoff.

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Beef Feedlot Management Guide

The processed compost will be delivered and sold to local

grain growers at planting time, and to alfalfa-grass hay grow-
ers for topdressing the hay fields after harvest. This service
could be provided by the feedlot owner or a private con-
tractor with a manure spreader and tractor. The manure
management plan would work well with alfalfa-grass hay and
feed grain projects located near the feedlots. This will be an
excellent opportunity to demonstrate an environmentally
friendly nutrition management cycle between plants and ani-
mals.

Operational Procedures

• Manure will be removed each day manually with shov-

els and carts to the composting bens.
• The largest amount of manure droppings will occur

near the grain bunk, hay rack, and water supply there-
fore a concrete pad is needed in those areas.
• The two part storage bens are needed to property

mix and age the compost.

• The aged manure compost will be loaded by hand

onto a manure spreader and delivered to the fields at

planting time or top dressed on hay fields after har-
vest.
• Soil testing will be done in advance of delivery to de-

termine the amount of compost needed.

• Soil testing is also required to make sure that over ap-

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 Beef Feedlot Management Guide

plication of compost do not occur.

Statistics

The steer and lamb manure production will vary based on

size of the animals, water supply, and feed quality and
amount. Properly fed animals produce high nutrient value
manure. These statistics are projections based on animals re-
ceiving proper nutrition and care.

• Average daily production of manure per steer - 10kg

• Production per day for 400 steers - 4 tons

• Average daily production of manure per lamb – 3kg

• Production per day for 400 lambs - 1.2 tons

• Projected manure production from steer feedlot per

year – 1320 tons

• Projected manure production from lamb feedlot per

year – 396 tons

• Each ton of manure on average will provide 10kg ni-

trogen, 11kg phosphorous, and 15kg potassium

• Compost storage area needed for steer feedlot – 2

storage areas for 480 tons each

• Compost storage area needed for lamb feedlot – 2

storage areas for 144 tons each

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Beef Feedlot Management Guide

Feedlot Construction and Equipment Needs For the

Manure Management Plan

The feedlots will be dirt lots with concrete surfaces only

near the feed bunk, hay rakes, and water supply. Because of
the low average rain fall in Iraq (2 – 8 cm) and the sandy
soils, feedlot runoff will not be a problem when manure is
manually removed on a daily bases.

• Beef feedlot for 400 head – 8 pens for 50 head each.

• Lamb feedlot for 400 head – 4 pens for 100 head each
• Each pen will be 600 sq meters or more plus a shade
area.
• A concrete pad 3 meters wide will extend out from
the feed bunk, hay rack, and water supply.
• Compost storage area needs to be divided into two
separate storage areas that will hold 4 months supply
of manure compost each (480 tons each – beef, 144
tons each – lamb).
• The two compartment compost storage area must
have a concrete floor and side walls and a dividing
wall.
• The compost storage area must be elevated 15 cm
above the surrounding ground.
• Tractor and manure spreader

Inma Agribusiness Program 36 USAID/Iraq

 An Inma Agribusiness Program Publication Series
www.inma-iraq.com

Previous publications:

Lamb Feedlot Management Guide,

published in English, Arabic and Kurdish (2008)

Beef Feedlot Management Guide,

published in English, Arabic and Kurdish (2008)

To obtain copies of the Inma Program Publication Series,

please contact:

[email protected]