Welcome to the ALFA Feedlot TECH Training Hub

Your role in the feedlot plays a critical part in protecting cattle health, identifying disease early and improving overall herd performance. Post mortems (also called necropsies) are one of the most valuable tools available for understanding why an animal became sick or died and for preventing similar issues in the future. This course introduces the core principles, skills and responsibilities involved in conducting effective post mortem examinations in Australian feedlots. You will learn how to work safely, observe accurately and use findings to support better animal health outcomes across the feedlot. Completing this module will give you a strong foundation in post mortem technique and field diagnosis. You will be better equipped to identify disease, support veterinary decision making and contribute to continuous improvement in animal health, welfare and feedlot performance. Read more

Your role in the feedlot continues to play a vital part in protecting cattle health, identifying disease accurately and supporting strong veterinary decision making. Building on the foundations from Course 1, this module takes you deeper into the practical examination of major organs and body systems during a post mortem. This course focuses on detailed assessment of the head, lungs, heart, gastrointestinal tract, pelvic and abdominal organs, brain and joints. You will also learn how to correctly collect, preserve and send samples for laboratory testing to support accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions.  By developing these skills, you strengthen the feedlot’s ability to detect disease early, understand underlying causes and continuously improve animal health and performance. Completing this module will give you greater confidence and capability in performing detailed post mortem examinations and collecting high-quality diagnostic samples. These skills directly support accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, improved disease surveillance and stronger feedlot performance. Read more

Your role in the feedlot environment involves essential hands-on practices to maintain the health, welfare, and productivity of cattle. In this module, we will explore practical procedures that are critical for effective cattle management in feedlots.    By completing this module, you'll be able to:  Take and interpret cattle temperature readings for early disease detection and health monitoring.  Administer eye treatments and other health procedures, focusing on technique and animal welfare.  Identify and manage abscesses, using the appropriate procedures to ensure recovery and minimise complications.  Address bloat through correct use of a stomach tube and understanding when this intervention is necessary.  Apply mass treatments responsibly, with a focus on disease prevention, animal welfare, and compliance with veterinary standards.  Maintain cattle hoof health by ensuring clean, well-drained pens and proper nutrition to prevent lameness and other issues.  Complete this module will equip you with practical skills to manage animal health, promote welfare, and support efficient feedlot operations. Read more

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In this module, you will learn how to implement you Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Action Plan effectively. This module covers key information sources for outbreak response, managing livestock during transit disruptions and strengthening biosecurity through physical barriers, zoning and improved hygiene.  Learning Intentions Implement and Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Action Plan Access key resources like the FMD Disease Manual and decision-making matrix Understand government and industry roles in national disease response Manage livestock in transit during an EAD event or stock standstill Strengthen biosecurity to reduce FMD risk, including securing against feral animals and unauthorised access Apply zoning to control movement of people, vehicles and equipment Enhance hygeine practices for staff, visitors and service vehicles Recognise that while best-practice biosecurity reduce risk, it does not guarantee FMD prevention Read more

Success in your role depends on attention to detail, organisation, and strong communication. Understanding the factors guiding your daily decisions, maintaining consistency, and accurately allocating feed is crucial. Appreciate the importance of following feeding protocols and managing bunk practices within your control to ensure each pen receives the right amount of feed daily.   Completing this module will help you to:   Recognise factors influencing daily decisions Identify the impacts of daily decisions Enhance decision-making skills through practice Read more