Livestock Production in Feedlots/landless Systems

Landless systems are used throughout the world, under temperate and tropical conditions as well as in developed and developing nations. The major factor determining the use of landless systems appears to be the relative cost of grains and the availability of feed byproducts. Prices of animal products are also determinants of the system used. There are advantages and disadvantages in using these systems to produce meat and milk. Landless systems allow for the use of a high input system where intensive nutritional management allows very high growth rates or milk production. Landless systems also allow the expression of production potential by superior genotypes, which is not possible under extensive, grazing conditions. The level of control of production achieved in feedlots results in the high quality and uniformity of product demanded by consumers. Several technologies, including the use of hormones and feed additives, have the potential to dramatically increase animal performance under these systems. However, the environmental implications need to be carefully evaluated. Landless systems may decrease land requirements and reduce methane emissions but the concentration of wastes creates local issues.