Concentrated animal feeding operations confine cattle in pens for rapid weight gain before slaughter. The welfare challenges of these environments affect millions of animals in North America, Australia, and increasingly worldwide.
Feedlot environments create multiple overlapping welfare challenges. The transition from forage to high-grain diets causes digestive disruption and acidosis, driving liver abscess formation. Respiratory disease spreads rapidly through densely housed populations. Mud and poor footing cause foot and leg injuries. Inadequate shade in hot climates causes heat stress with potential for mortality during extreme weather events. Restricted movement in comparison to natural behaviour reduces normal activity patterns and rest. Lack of environmental complexity prevents expression of natural exploratory and social behaviours. The rapid global expansion of feedlot production from North America into South America, Australia, and Asia means these welfare challenges will affect increasing numbers of cattle unless proactive welfare standards are developed.