Mud could be the biggest environmental problem facing some Corn-Belt cattle feeders right now. Not only does it affect animal performance, but it can also affect feedlot owner behavior. Some cattle feeders may be less inclined to purchase/add cattle to an already muddy feedlot.
Mud reduces accessibility to feedbunks for cattle. The general effect of muddy lots is to decrease feed intake, decrease average daily gain, and to require more feed for each pound of gain. As animals are stressed by mud, they eat less and their maintenance requirement increases.
