Reducing Feedlot Mud Problems

Muddy conditions decrease feed intake, slow aver¬age daily gain of cattle, increase problems with foot rot, and negatively affect feed efficiency. A feedlot with 4 to 8 inches of mud can decrease feed intake by 8 to 15%, slow daily gains by 14%, and reduce feed efficiency by 13%. Severe conditions, such as belly-deep mud, can reduce feed intake up to 30% and drop daily gain and reduce feed ef¬ficiency by up to 25%. These extreme wet conditions, however, do provide a benchmark to evaluate your present feedlot situation and to identify improvements that should be made. Recommended practices include runoff diversion of surface water, good drainage of the lot, well-designed mounds, and adequate space for the animals