
ALFA SHADE RESOURCE HUB
The Australian Lot Feeders’ Association (ALFA) is proud to announce its initiative that encourages all Australian feedlots to make a pledge to provide cattle under their care with access to shade. With 70.4% of cattle on feed at any time under shade, the feedlot industry is making strides towards our goal.
This initiative builds on the feedlot industry’s already strong commitment to animal welfare and positions our sector for long term sustainability.
Our Shade Hub provides all the tools and information you need to know about the benefits of shade. ALFA encourages all feedlots to consider the benefits that shade brings to the cattle they care for, their enterprise and collectively as an Industry.
Quick Links
Resources for Lot Feeders
animal welfare benefits of shade
Livestock care is fundamental to the success and sustainability of every feedlot. Australia’s red meat customers and consumers, both domestically and overseas, seek reassurance that livestock are cared for humanely and ethically. A characterisation of what constitutes animal welfare is required before discussing the effect of shade on animal welfare.
welfare benefits of providing shade
A fact sheet that explores what animal welfare means, the benefits of providing shade, and understanding the thermal regulation and shade seeking behaviours of cattle. Information in regards to cattle responses to shade, animal health and management strategies to optimise welfare with shade are also explored.
productivity benefits of shade
Research conducted at the Brigalow Research Station, Theodore, Queensland concluded that providing shade to angus cattle at 3.3 m2/head resulted in an extra 6 kg of hot carcase weight. This was driven by an extra 36 kg per head of dry matter intake over the feeding period, and lower maintenance energy requirements of shaded cattle. This fact sheet examines the effects of shade can have on feedlot cattle performance.

financing opportunities & due diligence
The Federal Government (and various State Governments) currently offer grants and loans for infrastructure development. To check your eligibility for these grants and loans see individual links below. Additional financing options will be explored in the upcoming webinar.
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Farm Innovation Fund (NSW)
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Sustainability Loans (Qld)
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Instant Asset Write-Off (Federal)

shade manufacturers
The construction of feedlot shade is a relatively specialised field. Shade manufacturers support the design and construction of shade to ensure maximum effectiveness. The Shade Design & Construction Manual also provides useful information on shade installation. Commercial shade manufacturers operating in shade over livestock can be found below:
RESEARCH - cattle behaviour & panting score
Lees, 2020, evaluates the influence of shade on feedlot cattle behaviour and panting score of Bos taurus and Bos indicus feedlot cattle during summer. All breeds and treatment groups within the research exhibited a notable increase in mean panting score as heat load increased. Overall the results emphasise the importance of providing shade to feedlot cattle, irrespective of genotype, challenging the general perception that Bos indicus feedlot cattle do not require access to heat load alleviation strategies.
Feedlot covered housing systems Best practice design and management manual
This manual, made by MLA, is built upon the best available knowledge from around the world for covered housing and shade systems, along with knowledge gained from visits to a variety of covered housing systems operational in Australia.
The manual details design, construction, regulations, bedding, manure management, welfare standards, animal health considerations, and costs of these systems compared to best practice open feedlot pens.