What is the feedlot operation primarily focused on?

The primary focus of a feedlot operation is the final stage before an animal is sent to slaughter. In a feedlot, livestock, typically cattle, are fed a high-energy diet designed to promote rapid weight gain over a relatively short period. This intensive feeding practice maximizes the efficiency of meat production.

During this phase, animals are usually confined in a restricted area where their diet and growth can be closely monitored and managed. The goal is to prepare the animals for market by ensuring they reach the desired weight and fatness that consumers and processors expect. This process is distinct from activities such as growing feed crops, rearing calves for breeding purposes, or engaging in organic farming practices, which either focus on crop production, breeding younger livestock, or adhering to specific farming methods aimed at sustainability and environmental concerns.