Meat & Livestock Australia Releases Cattle Prep Guide
New industry best practice guide aims to improve cattle health and wellbeing before feedlot entry.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Pet Health
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Meat & Livestock Australia has launched the Feeder Cattle Preparation Best Practice Guide to provide research-backed management protocols for producers. The programme focuses on reducing stress and improving cattle health through structured preparation before animals enter feedlots.
Why it matters
Proper preparation reduces stress and boosts animal immunity, which is critical for mitigating the risk of Bovine Respiratory Disease. Strengthening immune responses before high-risk production periods improves overall productivity and animal welfare across the sector.
The feedlot sector has achieved a 50% reduction in Bovine Respiratory Disease mortalities through targeted management. Meanwhile, non-pre-vaccinated cattle are often vaccinated on day 13 after entry to mitigate disease risks.
The players
Meat & Livestock Australia
This producer-owned organisation provides research and development services to the Australian red meat and livestock industry.
Dr Kev Sullivan
He is the lead author of the new Feeder Cattle Preparation Best Practice Guide.
JBS Australia
This major meat processing company operates extensive feedlot facilities across Queensland and New South Wales.
Gundamain Pastoral Company
Based in Eugowra, this livestock operation manages cattle health through specific vaccination protocols.
The details
Authored by Dr Kev Sullivan, the guide outlines essential practices including weaning, education, vaccination, and parasite management. Large operators like JBS Australia have already implemented mandates, requiring pre-vaccination for all Angus cattle entering their facilities in Queensland and New South Wales.
Timeline
BeefEx 2026 was held during 2026.
Gundamain Pastoral Company vaccinates cattle on day 13 after feedlot entry.
Culture Shift
This guide marks a strategic shift toward standardising animal welfare practices across the Australian livestock industry. It follows the themes established during the BeefEx 2026 panel on feedlot performance, formalising research-backed protocols for widespread producer adoption.
Producers are encouraged to review these practices to improve their herd's resilience before feedlot entry. By adopting these methods, operators may see improved animal wellbeing and productivity outcomes on their own farms.
The takeaway
Implementing structured vaccination and weaning programmes is a proven method for safeguarding cattle health. Producers should review the new guide to ensure their operations align with current best practices for reducing respiratory disease.
Further reading
For more on industry standards, visit the Pet Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLA Corporate.
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Should agricultural industries mandate pre-vaccination programs for livestock rather than relying on voluntary participation?
