Flow-through waterers are the best type to use for starting new cattle in a feedlot. Cup or tank waterers with a small opening should never be used for new cattle. Recent studies have shown chlortetracycline added to the drinking water did not alter the water consumption in newly weaned feedlot cattle. It is also thought that medications delivered through drinking water bypass the rumen and will not upset the rumen bacteria. Newly arrived cattle need protection from the environment.
Heat stress is common much of the year in newly arrived cattle.
North to south oriented solid shades built more than 10 feet high will provide heat protection and allow for drying and easy pen cleaning. Windbreaks can cause more harm than benefit to feedlot cattle. It is more important to have the wind to cool the cattle in the summer than to have the windbreak to protect the cattle from the winter winds. Temporary windbreaks constructed from round bales or hay sticks will work much better in the winter and can easily be removed during warm weather to allow adequate air movement. Trees provide a breeding and protection area for the stable fly and should be avoided as feedlot windbreaks.