If feeding will be done primary on frozen ground, a feeding apron may not be necessary. Similarily, self-feeders used through spring should be set on concrete slabs to provide a hard surface around the feeder. When grain and forage are fed separately, hay can be self-fed in bale racks or through a fence line. Bale racks provide a relatively low cost feeding method, are portable, and can be moved to minimize manure buildup in a particular spot, but they may contribute to greater hay waste, particularly with low quality forage. Hay and silage can also be self-fed using an electric wire or portable feeding fence.
Water is an important consideration in backgrounding facilities.
Backgrounding weight calves will consume less than 5 gallons per head per day during cold weather and up to 15 gallons per head per day in hot summer conditions. It is recommended a foot of tank be provided for every 20 head or one waterer or drinking bowl space provided for every 25 to 30 head in the lot. To minimize mud around the waterer it is desirable to set it on a concrete slab extending 6 feet beyond the tank or waterer. Waterers or tanks placed in the fence line allow new arrivals to quickly find the water as they travel the fence line acquainting themselves with the pen. However, waters located in the pen provide more opportunity for timid animals to drink.