Spring Feedlot Management Affects Profits South Dakota is the land of infinite variety that includes the weather. If this spring's snow and mud is creating performance problems in a feedlot, there are management techniques that can be used to increase cattle's performance and help make more money. Beef experts say performance will suffer if cattle are standing in just a few inches of mud. When there is an excessive amount of mud in a pen, there is often a reduction in feed consumption. This is because if cattle find a dry place in the pen, they are likely to stay there and are less apt to eat as often.
Mud attached to a cow's hide is also a problem.
It will affect feed conversion. Cows carrying excess mud would lose insulation ability if a cold snap were to hit. This would mean that more feed would be required to maintain metabolic activities. Because profit margins are at times minimal, even small growth differences could affect profits. Calving season is a hectic time for cow-calf producers.