Covered Feeding Trial at Teys Charlton Set to Answer Some Big Questions
October 25, 2023
When cattle arrive at the Teys Australia Victorian feedlot, they are now divided for scientific purposes.
Increase Productivity
There’s productivity, profitability, and animal welfare benefits from sheltering cattle. At the 2023 TSBE Protein Conference, an expert panel discussed production improvements that come from shedded systems.
Rangers Valley Feedlot Manager Alex Smith was joined by University of Queensland Animal Production Lecturer Dr Angela Lees, AgDSA Director Matt Norton and Entegra, developers of the industry leading self-ventilating Ridgeback®.
Air Flow
Ridgeback® offers a revolutionary design that significantly enhances airflow within its shelters. Tested by aerospace engineers, this innovative structure maximises air exchange, ensuring better ventilation and comfort for cattle.
Improved airflow helps mitigate heat stress, enhance animal welfare, and ultimately boosts productivity in feedlot operations.
Animal Welfare
Ridgeback® prioritises animal welfare, providing shade and shelter solutions that promote the well-being of cattle. With a focus on comfort, these structures shield livestock from harsh weather conditions, reducing heat stress and promoting overall health.
Scientific studies and industry research attest to the positive impact of Ridgeback® on animal welfare, ensuring content, comfortable, and thriving cattle within the feedlot environment.
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Airflow
The Ridgeback® design increases air exchange by at least 20 per cent more per hour than traditional barns. Traditional barns are susceptible to a vortex of air circulating under the structure, whereas with a Ridgeback® design the air is drawn out through the ridge because the vortex forms above the shade.
Ridgeback® & The Future of Climate Controlled Beef
Cattle naturally seek shade.
You only have to look to the vast open paddocks of Australia – even in a mild southern summer – to realise they love protecting themselves from the harsh sun.
It’s the same with wet and cold weather.
So it makes sense that as feedlots evolve they are looking to provide their cattle with what they’d naturally want.
The Ridgeback® is a patented state-of-the-art shelter designed and made in Australia – for local feedlots and farmers.
You’d instantly recognise a Ridgeback®.
Its concave curved roof is unique.
But most importantly, it protects your herd.
Ridgeback’s® are self-ventilating structures.
Its patented technology increases natural ventilation, without the need for expensive fans, and delivers 20 per cent more air changes per hour than gable sheds. This means increased cattle comfort.
Lot feeders and farmers report a reduction in temperature of up to 10 degrees Celsius- at the peak of the summer heat – underneath their Ridgeback®.
This cooler temperature and airflow is even possible when it’s still outside.
Under a Ridgeback®, cattle are comfortable and enjoy the benefits of naturally circulating air.
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) supported research has demonstrated the productivity and animal welfare benefits of providing cattle with shade.
In these studies, the most benefit was derived from waterproof shelter structures.
But cattle protection and comfort isn’t always about heat, sun and humidity.
Ridgeback® technology delivers benefits in cold and wet climates too. Cattle beneath a Ridgeback® are protected from the elements which means pens are kept cleaner and drier and this limits the dag-load of the hairy British breeds. It’s also a much more pleasant environment for humans to work in, shaded from the sun and protected from the rain and icy chill. Retrofitting a Ridgeback® to an existing feedlot, over the top of traditional outdoor pens, can enable a feedlot to expand without having to acquire additional land or build entirely new infrastructure.
That’s because the cleanliness and comfort delivered by a Ridgeback® could make it possible to operate at a higher stocking density underneath the shelter. Waterproof shelters on feedlot pens also enable water collection and prevent effluent run-off. Apart from the obvious water savings, a waterproof shelter could also be the key to expanding lotfeeding into regions of Australia that were previously viewed unsuitable due to surface or groundwater runoff concerns.
With all these benefits, it’s no wonder more lot feeders are looking to the Ridgeback® to provide shade and shelter for their cattle.
More and more Australian feedlots are beefing-up their cattle’s protection with a Ridgeback®.
Australian Research Demonstrates the Value of Waterproof Structures
.
.
UQ
UNE
TULLIMBA
.
BRIGALOW
BRIGALOW
GATTON
SHADE
WP
HSCW, KG
+ 8
+ 8
+ 0.51
+ 0.7
P8, MM
+ 1
0
+ 0.4
+ 0.7
RIB FAT
+ 1
0
+ 0.48
+ 0.85
MSA MARBLING
+ 22.2 (USDA)
+ 14.7
– 45.3
– 0.55
.
.
UQ
UNE
TULLIMBA
.
BRIGALOW
BRIGALOW
GATTON
SHADE
WP
FINAL BW, KG
+ 18
+ 17
+ 2
+ 12
ADG. KG/D
+ 0.14
+ 0.10
+ 0.04
+ 0.16
DMI, KG/D
+ 0.3
+ 0.2
+ 0.12
+ 0.09
G:F
+ 0.008
F:G + 0.7
+ 0.001
+ 0.0005
When you provide cattle with shade you typically see a production benefit.
That’s according to University of Queensland Animal Scientist Dr Anglea Lees.
The researcher told the Protein Conference at Dalby, Queensland that providing cattle with shade generally resulted in heavier exit weights which “extrapolates” to carcass weight.
The most recent research conducted at the University of New England Tullimba feedlot in NSW – throughout a wet and mildsummer – proved there were more benefits from a waterproof shelter than shade cloth.
Cattle under the waterproof structure were 12 kilograms heavier at exit, while those beneath the shade cloth weighed 2kg more.
Average daily gains were 300 per cent more under the waterproof structure at 0.16kg a day, compared with the shade cloth at 0.04kg/day.
The Hot Standard Carcass Weight (HSC) of animals protected by the waterproof shelter averaged 7.2kg heavier. Those protected by shade gained an average 0.51kg more.
A separate study at the University of Queensland Gatton Campus showed a HSCW gain of 6.6kg for cattle under shelter.
Dr Lees explained that even at a “conservative” $6 a kilogram carcass weight price, shade delivers a benefit of $36/head.
Source: Dalby Protein Conference, Dr Angela Lees
Want More Covered Cattle Research?
1. Commercial Feedlot Trial -
Rangers Valley, NSW
- To build on the results of the New England trial and further explore the concept of partial pen coverage with shelter.
- Cattle at this feedlot will be provided shelter by a Ridgeback® across part of their pens.
- This project will provide 7.5 metres squared of shelter for each animal with the pen stocked at 15 m2 per head.
- Results will be published in 2024.
2. Odour From Covered
Feedlots Project
- This work will help the Australian feedlot industry develop a nationally accepted odour measurement model for covered systems.
- Research will test the hypothesis that covered housing systems have the potential to generate less odour.
Why Invest in Ridgeback®?
Every feedlot is unique.
Profit drivers vary.
And then there’s the weather conditions, size, breed, stocking density, market requirements, customers, feed and bedding sources, staff and everything in between. So when it comes to building a Ridgeback®, why would it be any different?
The motivations for constructing shade and shelter vary from business to business.
Understanding your “why” is the most important step of the entire project.
Not only will it drive the construction and design process, it will keep you and your support team on-track – working toward the same goal.
Heat & Humidity
Heat and humidity are critical factors affecting cattle well-being and, consequently, feedlot productivity. Australian industry research has demonstrated that providing shade, particularly in the form of waterproof structures like the Ridgeback®, delivers substantial benefits to cattle and the overall operation.
Cattle are highly sensitive to heat and sunlight, and even in milder southern summers, they exhibit a natural inclination to seek shelter from the harsh sun. This instinctual behavior is a testament to their need for protection from the elements. Moreover, cattle also respond negatively to extreme heat, which can lead to reduced feed intake and increased water consumption as they try to cool down.
Heat Load Management & Shelter
Shelter is one of the best ways a feedlot can reduce its heat load risk.
And the more shelter per standard cattle unit (SCU) – the better.
That’s according to the feedlot industry’s Heat Load Index (HLI) Risk Analysis Program (RAP).
Every Australian feedlot operating under the National Feedlot Accreditation Scheme (NFAS) must have a heat load action plan.
A HLI is central to a feedlots’ heat load action plan, it determines the management and assessment of heat stress.
Quirindi Veterinary Group’s Dr David Frith told the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) Animal Health and Welfare Workshop at Moama, NSW that the ‘HLI threshold’ for each group of cattle is calculated according to the RAP.
Within the RAP, certain values are associated with animal or feedlot “risk adjustment factors”.
For example, the standard reference animal has a HLI threshold of 86.
This animal is a bos taurus, with a black coat, healthy, without implants and is in a pen without shade- these are its risk adjustment factors.
Risk Adjustment Factors – including shade, the number of water troughs, coat colour, pen aspect, days on feed – are all attributed a value and move the standard reference animal HLI threshold higher or lower.
A white coat colour adds three points to the HLI – pushing it up to 89 – and suggesting this animal would be lower risk or more heat tolerant that the reference animal.
Dr Frith told the crowd at Moama that the provision of shade – 3 – 5 metres squared per SCU would add seven to the HLI threshold animal. Shade at the equivalent of 2-3 metres squared per SCU adds five to HLI threshold animal , while 1.5-2 metres squared shade per SCU is worth an extra three.
Feeding Bos indicus-cross (Droughtmaster, Santa Gertrudis) cattle adds eight to the HLI, while Wagyu lifts the threshold HLI by four.
Alternatively, Wagyu cattle on feed for more than 300 days drops the HLI threshold by two, with the HLI threshold slipping four for Bos Tauras animals on feed for more than 151 days.
Dr Frith said calculating shade provisions involved working out the metres squared of shade at midday, before dividing it by the number of cattle in the pen (SCU).
He said there were new RAP factors for covered pens under development.
Feedlot Expansion
Some feedlot businesses face the challenge of limited available land. In such cases, installing a Ridgeback® can be a game-changer. By strategically placing a Ridgeback® over existing pens, feedlot operators can significantly increase their operational capacity without the need to acquire additional land or construct entirely new infrastructure. This innovative approach enables feedlots to optimize their land usage and maximize their herd size, ultimately improving profitability.
Effluent Management
Effluent management is a critical concern for feedlot operations. Ridgeback® shelters play a vital role in addressing this challenge. When cattle pens are moved undercover, they remain dry even during wet weather conditions. This has a direct impact on effluent runoff, significantly reducing or even eliminating the issue altogether. Proper effluent management not only aligns with environmental regulations but also enhances the overall cleanliness of the feedlot. Clean and dry pens contribute to healthier cattle and reduce the need for extensive cleaning and maintenance efforts.
Industry Expectations
The Australian Lot Feeders Association (ALFA) wants all Australian feedlots to provide lot fed cattle with access to shade by 2026.
Underpinned by the industry’s strong commitment to animal welfare, this shade initiative was introduced in 2020 and focused on the long-term sustainability of feedlot beef production.
ALFA believes shade aids animal comfort by providing an option for cattle displaying natural shade seeking behaviour.
About 60 per cent of the feedlot industry had shade in 2020, according to ALFA.
To assist the industry to meet its 2026 shade target, ALFA developed an online Shade Resource Hub.
This Hub provides information about financing options, research about the benefits of shade, case studies, a webinar recording and information about shed manufacturers.
Shade - State of the Nation
(September 2023)
.
NUMBER OF CATTLE SHADED
% OF CAPACITY
QLD
663.332
75%
NSW
294.476
67%
VIC
47.829
65%
SA
38.750
56%
WA
28.355
32%
NATIONALLY
1,076.342
68%
Source: ALFA Animal Health and Welfare Workshop
Australian Research Demonstrates the Value of Waterproof Structures
1. Planning & Environmental Approvals
When considering the implementation of a Ridgeback® shelter, it’s essential to be aware that planning and environmental approvals will come into play. This process involves engaging with local authorities and regulatory bodies to ensure that your project complies with zoning regulations, environmental impact assessments, and other relevant criteria. These approvals are necessary steps to navigate, as they vary by location and may involve environmental impact studies to assess the potential effects of the shelter on the surrounding ecosystem.
2. Building Approvals
Securing building approvals is a critical aspect of any construction project, including Ridgeback® shelters. It’s important to note that Ridgeback® shelters typically fall under section 10a of the National Building Code, which means they are not considered habitable structures for humans. While the requirements may be less stringent than for residential or commercial buildings, obtaining building approvals is essential to ensure that your Ridgeback® complies with safety and structural standards.
3. Orientation
The orientation of a Ridgeback® shelter is a crucial consideration for maximizing its effectiveness. Factors such as prevailing wind directions, solar exposure, and the layout of the site should be carefully evaluated. For instance, if there is a predominant wind direction in your area, aligning the Ridgeback® accordingly can provide optimal shelter for cattle during windy conditions. The choice of orientation can impact the level of shade and comfort your cattle experience within the shelter.
4. Bedding
Locating a reliable source of bedding supply is a key element in the successful management of your Ridgeback® shelter. The type of bedding you choose, such as straw, wood chips, or other materials, should be well-suited to your specific region and climate. Access to bedding materials may vary across different parts of Australia, so selecting the right bedding and ensuring a consistent supply is vital for maintaining the health and comfort of your cattle under the Ridgeback®.
5. Pen Floors
The design of pen floors plays a significant role in feedlot operations, even more so under Ridgeback® shelters. While traditional feedlot pens require a slope to facilitate runoff, the introduction of Ridgeback® shelters can alter these requirements. Eliminating the need for excessive slopes can reduce earthwork costs and make previously unsuitable flat sites viable for feedlot expansion. The slope considerations for pen floors under Ridgeback® shelters may differ from those in open pens, and it’s crucial to assess these factors during the planning phase.
6. Maintenance
The Ridgeback® reduces maintenance costs by providing a predictable environment with less weather exposure. This enhances staff scheduling, improves workflow efficiency, and boosts staff satisfaction. It also addresses the skills shortage in the feedlot industry by creating a more attractive and comfortable work environment.
Our Featured Case Studies
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What Our Clients Say
FAQs
Bedding and pack management are indeed significant considerations for lot feeders exploring Ridgeback shelter options. They seek cost-effective solutions that effectively manage waste while maintaining cattle comfort within their Ridgeback shelters.
Yes, ROI can be a challenge for many lot feeders considering Ridgeback shelter investment. However, engaging with the Entegra team can significantly assist in infrastructure planning to maximize the lifetime value of the Ridgeback. While some have achieved quicker returns with Ridgeback shelters, others find it difficult to justify the significant initial investment. It’s essential for lot feeders to assess their unique circumstances and regional regulations and collaborate with Entegra to ensure that Ridgeback shelter investment is optimized for long-term ROI.
Stocking density regulations vary, and understanding their impact on Ridgeback shelter investments is crucial. Trials are being conducted to provide data to regulators for more informed decisions regarding Ridgeback shelters.
Yes, the Ridgeback ventilation system is engineered to enhance air exchange significantly. Aerospace engineers have rigorously tested the design to ensure its effectiveness in providing excellent ventilation within the shelter. This innovative ventilation system is a key feature that contributes to the overall quality and performance of the Ridgeback shelter.
To begin your journey of understanding the Ridgeback and its suitability for your feedlot, the best step is to schedule a call with an experienced Entegra team member. They can provide you with valuable insights and information about the Ridgeback shelter. Additionally, if needed, they can arrange a site visit to assess how the Ridgeback can best meet the specific requirements of your feedlot, ensuring a tailored and effective solution for your needs.
Ridgeback shelters offer a unique advantage over alternative options like shade sails. While shade sails can provide relief from direct sunlight, they have limitations when it comes to enhancing airflow. Ridgeback shelters, on the other hand, have undergone extensive testing and design by aerospace engineers, which has demonstrated a significant improvement in air exchange within the sheltered area. This enhanced ventilation is essential for ensuring the comfort and productivity of cattle, particularly during hot weather conditions.
Bedding quality within Ridgeback shelters varies, with some feedlots using locally sourced materials like sawdust, while others face challenges related to wet bedding conditions within their Ridgeback shelters.
ROI for Ridgeback shelter investments is multifaceted and influenced by various factors, including operational specifics and compliance with regional regulations.
Yes, Ridgeback shelters can be tailored to meet the specific needs of your feedlot. The experienced Entegra team will work closely with you to understand your unique requirements and design a Ridgeback shelter that aligns with your goals. Whether you need a shelter for shade, protection from the elements, or other specific purposes, customisation options are available to ensure that the Ridgeback shelter is a perfect fit for your operation. Contact us to discuss your requirements and explore the possibilities of customisation.
Yes, there is evidence of productivity improvements associated with Ridgeback shelters. Research backed by Meat Livestock Australia (MLA) has shown several benefits, including:
Heavier Exit Weight: Cattle provided with Ridgeback shelter tend to have a heavier “exit” weight, which can result in increased profitability. Improved Average Daily Gains: MLA-supported research in Australia has indicated improved average daily gains in cattle housed under Ridgeback shelters.
Consistent Dry Matter Intake: Providing shade and shelter to cattle has been linked to more consistent dry matter intake, contributing to better overall feedlot performance. These findings demonstrate that Ridgeback shelters can positively impact cattle productivity, making them a valuable investment for feedlot operations.
