Comparing fed cattle performance in open lot and bedded confinement feedlot facilities

Records of closeouts from 997 lots (i.e., pens or groups) of beef cattle fed in the Upper Midwest from 2007 to 2009 were analyzed to measure the difference in performance between cattle fed in open lot facilities and cattle fed in deep bedded confinement buildings. Cattle fed in bedded confinement buildings had greater (P < 0.03) ADG (1.37 vs. 1.31 kg, 4.6%), greater (P < 0.01) G:F (0.134 vs. 0.126, 6.3%), and heavier (P < 0.02) finish weight (604.9 vs. 591.8 kg, 2.2%) than cattle fed in open lots. The data suggest that cattle fed in bedded confinement buildings may have reduced metabolic requirements and improved cattle comfort. Greater cattle performance also resulted in greater economic return; this economic return increased as feed cost and cattle market assumptions increased.