Feedlotting Lambs:

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feedlotting is a management practice which lamb producers frequently use in an effort to achieve a consistent supply of quality lamb that meets market specifications for weight and fat score.It allows producers to maintain production when pasture availability is limited,to achieve rapid growth when feed prices are low,to generate cash flow and to value add ration componets (grain).While feedlotting gives producers the flexbility to finish lambs irrespective of seasonal conditions.Producers should carefully compare the benefits of feedlotting with paddock supplementation or selling selected stock and grain to generate income.Maintaining lambs until quality fodder crops and/or pasture are available,and/or contract feeding in an established feedlot.As most lambs require 10-14 kg. of feed to produce 2 kg. of liveweight or 1 kg.of carcass weight,ration costs are a major issue within a feedlotting program.Buying light lambs to feedlot and then selling them at trade weights of below 40 kg. live weight is not easy.The amount of feed required will depend on starting live weight,ration quality in terms of energy,protein,vitamins,minerals and digestibility,lamb growth and geneotype.