Livestock

Cattle Feedlot Welfare in North America

Large-scale cattle feedlots in North America finish millions of cattle annually, with welfare challenges including respiratory disease, lameness and heat stress.

Key Facts

Around 14 million cattle are in US feedlots at any one time
Average lot capacity is 30,000-100,000 head, with some exceeding 150,000 animals
Respiratory disease (bovine respiratory complex) is the leading feedlot health issue
Mud during wet seasons and dust in dry conditions both compromise cattle welfare
Heat stress causes significant mortality in severe summer heat events

Welfare Considerations

Feedlot cattle are highly susceptible to bovine respiratory complex, which causes fever, depression and painful lung lesions. Metaphylaxis (mass antibiotic treatment on arrival) addresses disease risk but raises antimicrobial resistance concerns. Shade provision is voluntary in most US states, leaving cattle exposed to extreme heat. Lameness from poor hoof care on unpaved surfaces causes chronic pain.

What You Can Do

Reduce beef consumption, especially from industrial feedlot systems
Choose grass-finished or pasture-raised beef certified under welfare schemes
Advocate for mandatory shade, veterinary oversight and welfare auditing at feedlots
Support research into feedlot design improvements that reduce disease and injury