Welcome to the ALFA Feedlot TECH Training Hub

At the core of bunk calling is the bunk sheet. Bunk callers use this essential tool daily for feed allocation and intake monitoring. Being able to interpret the bunk sheet enables you to make informed decisions about bunk management.   This module is designed to help you:   Read and interpret data in bunk sheets Make decisions based on bunk sheet data Perform basic calculations for efficient feed allocation Comprehend the importance of accurate record keeping Read more

As a bunk caller, managing feed intake whilst promoting the health and growth of the cattle under your care is fundamental to your role. Understanding feeding programs and adaptation to high concentrate diets enables cattle to successfully transition through feeding stages, ensuring their wellbeing and enhancing feedlot performance.    Completing this module will help you to:    Comprehend end point goals for a feedlot  Understand the process of transitioning cattle to high concentrate diets  Recognise the different feeding program stages  Identify methods to adapt cattle to feedlot diets  Read more

Your role in the feedlot hospital is vital for maintaining the health and welfare of the cattle. In this module, we will cover the essentials of managing and operating the feedlot hospital effectively.    This module will cover:  Understanding the setup and requirements of a feedlot hospital, including facilities and biosecurity measures.  Procedures for animal assessment upon arrival and maintaining accurate records.  Following veterinary protocols for treatment, ensuring compliance and effective recovery.  Identifying and treating common ailments such as respiratory disease, lameness, and digestive issues.  Monitoring recovery and managing continuity of care through re-treatments and record-keeping.  Completing this module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to provide timely and effective care, improving animal health outcomes and supporting feedlot operations.  Read more

As a livestock handler, you play a crucial role in maintaining the health and productivity of the animals under your care. This module will equip you with essential skills in administering medications and practising responsible antimicrobial use.    By completing this module, you'll be able to:  Understand various drug categories and their applications in livestock management.  Interpret and apply information from drug labels accurately.  Calculate and administer the correct drug dosages.  Observe and adhere to Export Slaughter Intervals (ESI) and Withholding Periods (WHP).  Selecting and safely using injection equipment.  Conducting subcutaneous, intramuscular, and above-ear injections properly.  Minimising injection-related complications, such as abscesses.  Applying antimicrobial stewardship principles to reduce resistance risks. Read more

This course is part of the Pen Riding: Mastering the Fundamentals online skills training  Pen riders play a pivotal role in ensuring the wellbeing of feedlot cattle. By learning factors impacting cattle health, understanding their body system, and gaining familiarity with common health concerns, you’ll develop the ability to identify health issues early, leading to improved welfare outcomes for cattle.  This online course covers health issues, body systems, and typical conditions concerning feedlot cattle.  After completion of the online training, an on the ground competency assessment is available so you can demonstrate your skills and competency in this area.  This E-learning series has been by funded grain-fed levies and matching federal government R&D contributions in consultation with the Australian Lot Feeders’ Association.  Read more

The Australian red meat and livestock industry has made a commitment under their 2030 strategic plan to contribute to Australia’s net zero ambitions. Under the plan, MLA will accelerate investment in practical, science-based solutions that help producers’ lower emissions and improve productivity. Feedlots have an important role to play in achieving this goal. Because feedlots operate in highly managed and controlled production environments, they provide strong opportunities to measure emissions accurately, trial new technologies, and improve operational and supply chain efficiency. Under ALFA’s strategic plan, the feedlot sector has an active commitment to environmental stewardship and supports the wider industry initiatives of contributing to Australia’s net zero ambitions while advancing profitability, productivity and sustainability. MLA’s Environmental Credentials Initiative will give lot feeders digital tools, like eLearning, calculators and checklists, to track sustainability practices. This course will help you understand how feedlots contribute to lower emissions production contributing to national and state goals and what practical actions can be taken at the operational level. Read more