- \n
- 28 lbs. additional weaning weight<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 20% reduction in feedlot morbidity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stronger immunity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
- \n
- $25 net return per head for feedlot cattle<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 12 lbs. additional hot carcass weight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
In addition to meeting nutritional needs, having calves go through a preconditioning or a backgrounding program before they enter the feedlot can help mitigate many obstacles and position them for optimal productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Cattle Backgrounding and Preconditioning?<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Backgrounding is an interim program for calves between weaning and the entering the feedlot.. These programs typically last 45 to 90 days, allowing the animals to grow at a moderate rate, usually about two pounds per day. The primary purposes of a backgrounding facility are to allow for additional frame and muscle growth while taking advantage of low-cost feedstuffs and to help calves build a healthy immune system so they can be more resilient before entering the feedlot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Preconditioning cattle programs typically last at least 45 days, during which time calves are kept on the farm of origin to recover from weaning and adapt to feedbunks, water systems and new feedstuffs before entering the feedlot. During this time, calves also receive their booster vaccinations to help further build and fortify their immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tips for Beef Cattle Preconditioning and Backgrounding Management<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Provide Performance Trace Minerals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To establish a strong health foundation and equip calves to succeed in preconditioning and backgrounding programs, trace mineral status is paramount. Zinpro\u00ae Performance Minerals\u00ae<\/a> are more bioavailable than inorganic minerals and are better absorbed by the calves during periods of stress. During stress events, calves often experience a depletion of nutrient stores causing dips in immunity. Restoring trace mineral status as quickly as possible is also an important step to acclimating calves. \u00ae<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.zinpro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Availa-4_RGB.png\" "\\"Availa")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSet the stage for performance with this blend of zinc, manganese, copper and cobalt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLearn More<\/div><\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.zinpro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Availa-Plus_RGB.png\" "\\"Availa")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nFeed as part of a well-fortified diet to sustain health and reproduction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.zinpro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Availa-Zn_RGB.png\" "\\"Availa")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.zinpro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Profusion-Drench-and-Paste-1024x968.webp\" "\\"Profusion-Drench-and-Paste\\"")
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