Feedlot cattle spend their final months in high-density outdoor pens, raising welfare concerns about space, weather exposure, and behavioral restriction.
Feedlot welfare concerns center on space, climate protection, and behavioral restriction. High-density confinement prevents cattle from expressing normal foraging and social behaviors. The lack of shade in many US feedlots exposes cattle to extreme heat stress, while winter mud accumulation causes cold stress, hygiene problems, and hoof health issues. The welfare of cattle in feedlots is often assessed against commercial industry benchmarks rather than what cattle need to thrive - setting a low baseline that normalizes significant welfare deficits. Basic improvements including shade provision, mud management, and space allowances have clear welfare benefits.