HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

The right infrastructure makes this job easier. Troughs with drain valves allow quick flushing and cleaning, shaded water points protect from heat stress, and water meters on the mainlines help track usage and quickly flag leaks or supply problems. Mortalities Every death in a feedlot costs money, so keeping track of mortalities is a key management responsibility. A simple log recording the pen, date, weight, and cause (if known) helps managers spot patterns before they become a bigger problem. For example, repeated deaths in one pen may indicate a feed, water, or health issue that needs urgent attention. By reviewing mortality records regularly, managers can make adjustments to rations, health protocols, or pen conditions to prevent repeat losses. Infrastructure makes managing mortalities much easier and safer. Sick pens located near the handling area allow quick attention to unwell animals, while isolation pens for incoming or treated sheep reduce the risk of spreading disease. When mortalities are tracked carefully and supported by proper infrastructure, managers can turn each loss into a lesson, reduce future deaths, and protect both animal welfare and feedlot profitability. Performance data management Performance data is the steering wheel of a feedlot. Without it, you’re driving blind. Recording and managing growth data, feed use, and health events gives a clear picture of how well the feedlot is running and where money is being made or lost. A weighing crate with a reliable scale, linked to a tag system – whether visual tags or EID – forms the backbone of this system. Even simple tools like a laptop or tablet with basic spreadsheets are enough to keep track of average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratios, mortalities, treatments, and differences between pens. With this information on hand, managers can make quick, informed decisions instead of relying on guesswork, which nearly always costs profit. Feed usage is another part of the picture that ties directly into performance. Accurate records of how much feed is mixed, delivered, and consumed help pick up wastage and highlight where rations may need tweaking. By comparing feed usage against growth data, managers can see which pens are performing best and why, and then apply those lessons across the feedlot. The combination of good infrastructure and disciplined record-keeping turns data into one of the most powerful management tools, ensuring every kilogram of feed is converted into as much growth as possible. In conclusion, industry partners like animal health specialists and feed suppliers, such as De Heus, play a big role in keeping a feedlot profitable. Regular abattoir visits help managers see how lambs are performing on feed, while rumen and organ scoring give insight into digestion and overall health. Experts can also assist with parasite monitoring and control, ensuring lambs stay healthy and grow efficiently. By using these services, feedlot managers get practical advice and support to make smarter decisions and protect both animal welfare and profit. For more information, reach out to our technical advisors – https://www. deheus.co.za/meet-our-team/. www.deheus.co.za | 031 785 1575 | infosa@deheus.com Figure 9: Two types of swivel “tip-krips” for easy cleaning Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 142