What generally occurs at a feedlot?

At a feedlot, the primary activity involves finishing animals, typically cattle, for market slaughter. This process focuses on maximizing weight gain and preparing the livestock for sale in the meat market. Animals are usually fed a high-energy diet designed to promote rapid growth and optimal muscle development, which enhances the quality of the meat.

In a feedlot environment, animals are generally confined and provided a controlled diet, rather than being raised for breeding or for dairy production. Grazing freely is not characteristic of feedlot management, as this system is designed for efficiency in meat production rather than natural grazing behavior. Thus, the emphasis is primarily on the finishing phase of an animal's life cycle before it is sent to processing.