Feedlot finishing of beef cattle — housing them at high density and feeding high-energy grain diets for 90-200 days before slaughter — is the dominant beef production system in the USA, Australia, and Argentina. Welfare concerns include respiratory disease, metabolic acidosis, and behavioural restriction.
The transition from forage to grain diets in feedlots causes subacute ruminal acidosis in up to 20% of cattle, causing pain, reduced intake, and liver abscesses. High stocking densities restrict movement and social behaviour, increasing competition at feed bunks. Feedlot cattle in hot climates without shade experience sustained heat stress. Respiratory disease in newly arrived cattle — shipping fever — is the primary disease welfare problem in feedlot entry. Welfare improvements include gradual dietary transition, adequate bunk space, shade provision, and preventive health protocols. Certified naturally raised or grass-fed alternatives maintain more natural behaviour throughout finishing.