Climatic variability, combined with the Australian lot feeding industry’s shade and shelter initiative, has seen an unprecedented interest in covered and partially covered housing systems and their application to the Australian lot feeding industry.
To help the Australian lot feeding industry evaluate different options, Meat & Livestock Australia has launched the MLA Best practice design and management manual for covered and partially covered housing systems.
“The manual is built upon the best available knowledge from around the world for these systems, along with knowledge gained from visits to a variety of covered housing systems operational in Australia,” MLA’s Matt Van der Saag said.
“The manual details design, construction, bedding, manure management, welfare standards, animal health considerations, and costs of these systems compared to best practice unshaded feedlot pens.”
Many Australian feedlots have already installed shade systems. the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association indicates almost 70 per cent of feedlot cattle capacity has shade or shelter already, and there is increased interest in covering the pens with solid, waterproof roofing that may be installed over part of the pen or the entire pen.
This was a key consideration when the manual was being developed.
Dr Van der Saag said the manual provided siting and design guidance that would be useful for anyone planning to install a covered housing system under Australian conditions.
“The manual also contains important information regarding welfare standards, animal health considerations as well as state-by-state regulatory approvals that need to be adhered to, and the all-important costs discussion,” he said.
“Ultimately, this manual is an important resource for the modification or construction of feedlots.
“We would encourage all interested to review the information as the potential benefits of covered housing systems for cattle are significant.”
For more information, go to the MLA website.
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