Managing Feedlot Profit Drivers: A South African Sheep Feedlot Case Study
Résumé
Feed lotting is fundamental to livestock production systems, particularly when producers have limited grazing resources. However, the marginal profitability of feedlot systems requires precision management to ensure financial returns. This study assessed the effect of feedlot profitability drivers, which included lamb entry weight, prices, and feeding ration costs. Primary data from 484 Merino sheep were collected at a feedlot in the western region of the Free State province in South Africa between April and June 2023. These data were used to perform a Gross Margin Analysis on four batches of lambs with different body weights upon feedlot entry. Lambs were then fed two balanced feeding rations with varied dietary compositions. The results highlighted the importance of lambs’ body weight upon entering the feedlot. Decreasing 6% of the maize content while increasing 16% of lucerne hay from the feedlot diet had no beneficial effects on lamb profitability. Moreover, market price variation of lambs, maize, and lucerne contributed significantly towards the generated gross margins. The financial viability of feedlots is strongly dependent on strategic management decisions and extension support for cost-effective lamb feeding.
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