Mimosa Farming’s feedlot operation is a critical component of our Wagyu beef supply chain. Designed for efficiency, animal comfort, and optimal marbling development, our feedlot adheres to strict international protocols and is modelled after successful Australian feeding systems.

Capacity & Layout

• Total Capacity: 2,000 head of cattle
• Wagyu-specific sections: Built for long-term, low-stress finishing
• Infrastructure includes:
  • Shade structures for climate comfort
  • Clean water reticulation systems
  • Concrete feed bunks
  • Pen layout for optimal cattle movement and minimal stress

Feeding Program Details

The feeding process is vital for producing high-quality beef, particularly Wagyu beef, which is renowned for its marbling and tenderness. Mimosa’s approach follows best practices developed from Australian feedlot models, which focus on enhancing marbling, growth rates, and overall beef quality. This allows us to customize rations based on:

• Breed type (Wagyu vs Commercial)
• Age and weight category
• Growth stage (weaning, growing, finishing)

Feeding Stages

Key Stages of the Feeding Process:

A. Initial Stage (0 to 7 Months):

• Creep Feed: During this early stage, calves are fed creep feed to encourage healthy rumen development. The feed is high in energy and helps calves to grow quickly while building a strong digestive system. This stage ensures calves are in peak condition as they transition to grazing.
• Weaning: At 7 months, calves are weaned off their mothers and gradually adjusted to a diet of mixed pasture and supplementary feed.

B. Grazing with Supplementary Feeding (8 to 20 Months):

• Natural Grazing: Between 8 to 20 months, animals graze naturally on the pasture. Grazing is supplemented with high-energy feed at 1% of the animal’s live mass to ensure they grow steadily while maintaining optimal health.
• Monitoring: Each animal’s health and growth are monitored consistently, and their feed intake is adjusted according to seasonal conditions and available forage.

C. Selection Process (20 Months Onwards):

• Selection Criteria: At around 20 months, the best animals—those showing strong growth potential and good marbling characteristics—are selected for the breeding herd (F1 to F2). These animals are earmarked for breeding and will be part of the genetic improvement program.
• The remaining animals are sent to either pasture or feedlot for finishing, depending on the breeding program and meat production goals.

D. Final Rounding (21 to 32 Months):

• Feedlot Transition: Between 21 and 32 months, selected animals are placed in the feedlot for final rounding. This period focuses on building marbling and increasing meat tenderness, which are key qualities of Wagyu beef.
• Feeding Method:
  • Ad Libitum Feeding: Cattle have constant access to high-quality feed, primarily grain-based (corn, soy), which encourages marbling.
  • The feedlot operates on a 3% live mass feeding system, meaning that the animals are fed 3% of their body weight in feed each day. This ensures optimal intake and growth.
  • No Growth Hormones: The feeding program adheres to strict hormone-free guidelines to ensure the natural growth and health of the cattle.

Feedlot System

The feedlot system is specifically designed to manage the cattle’s health, growth, and feed conversion efficiency. The layout and infrastructure are engineered for ease of movement, feeding, and monitoring.

Key Components of the Feedlot:

• Feeding Troughs: High-quality troughs are installed in the feedlot, ensuring that all cattle always have access to food. The feed is provided in a manner that prevents waste and ensures maximum nutritional intake.
• Weighing Station: The feedlot is equipped with weighing scales to monitor the growth progress of cattle. Regular weighing allows the farm to track performance, ensuring that animals meet growth and feeding targets.
• Animal Handling Facilities: These facilities are designed to reduce stress during feeding, movement, and health checks, ensuring cattle remain calm and comfortable during their time in the feedlot.
• Water Supply: Access to fresh water is always guaranteed, with each trough constantly replenished to meet the hydration needs of the animals.

Nutrition and Ration Composition

Feed composition is critical in producing high-quality Wagyu beef. Mimosa Farming has invested in in-house nutritionists to develop custom rations that provide the correct balance of nutrients.

Ration Breakdown

• Basic Components:
  • Grain (corn, barley, wheat): Main source of energy for the cattle.
  • Soybean meal: Key source of protein to support muscle development.
  • Roughage (hay and silage): Essential for digestion and rumen health.
  • Minerals and vitamins: Supplements to ensure overall health and optimal feed conversion.

Feed Adjustments: The feed ration is tailored to the specific needs of individual animals, adjusting based on age, weight, and health

Animal Health and Monitoring

Health management is a top priority for Mimosa Farming, as the quality of the beef directly depends on the overall health and welfare of the cattle.

Veterinary Care:

• Veterinary Station: The feedlot includes a veterinary station that provides routine health checks and immediate treatment for any illness or injury.
• Health Protocols: The cattle undergo regular vaccination programs to protect against diseases common in feedlot systems.
• Monitoring Devices: Some cattle are fitted with tracking collars to monitor their movement, temperature, and feed consumption to detect any signs of illness early.

Disease Prevention:

• Biosecurity Measures: Strict biosecurity protocols are in place to prevent disease introduction and spread. The farm utilizes quarantine areas for newly arrived animals.
• Nutritional Monitoring: Regular analysis of feed quality ensures that nutritional deficiencies are minimized, preventing any issues related to rumen health or growth stunting.

Quality Control

Ensuring the production of premium Wagyu beef requires strict quality control measures throughout the feedlot process.

• Marbling Monitoring: Marbling is monitored throughout the finishing phase, using both visual assessment and electronic grading tools to measure marbling thickness. This data helps ensure that the animals are on track to meet the high-quality standards expected of Wagyu beef.
• DNA Verification: All Wagyu cattle are verified through DNA testing to confirm their lineage and ensure they meet breed standards.
• Carcass Yield: Regular monitoring of carcass yield is conducted to ensure that cattle reach an ideal weight and fat composition, maximizing both quality and yield.

Environmental Sustainability and Waste Management

In line with the company’s commitment to sustainability, Mimosa Farming has integrated several eco-friendly practices in its feedlot operations:

• Manure Management: Manure is carefully collected and either composted for use as fertilizer on the farm or sold to local agriculture.
• Water Conservation: Water usage is optimized, with efforts made to reduce waste and recycle water where possible.
• Energy Efficiency: Renewable energy sources (such as solar) are being explored to power some of the feedlot operations.

Feedlot Expansion Plans

Mimosa Farming is continually looking to expand and improve its feedlot operations. Future plans include increasing the feedlot capacity and incorporating advanced technologies for better livestock tracking and feeding optimization. There is also a focus on integrating sustainable practices to ensure that the operation meets international standards for both quality and environmental responsibility.

Mimosa Farming’s feedlot operations are crucial to the development of high-quality Wagyu beef, focusing on nutrition, health, marbling development, and sustainability. Through careful planning, advanced feeding systems, and state-of-the-art monitoring, Mimosa Farming ensures that its cattle are raised to the highest standards, producing premium meat that exceeds industry expectations.