Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations

All Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Content

Julie Walker analyzing a handful of feed with two students in a precision cattle feeding facility.

National Animal Nutrition Program Leads the Way: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work in Feed Management

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing agriculture, but its value on the farm depends on whether it can help producers make better decisions. The National Animal Nutrition Program has been working to turn AI-based approaches into practical tools that can help livestock producers reduce feed losses and improve profitability.

Liquid manure injector applying manure into a field.

From Feed to Field: How Feed Management Supports Nutrient Cycling in Swine Production Systems

For swine systems, the relationship between feed and manure is especially important. Feed management, manure recycling, and conservation practices can work together to improve nutrient use efficiency and support long-term soil function.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

SDSU Extension invites operators to June CAFO environmental training

May 22, 2026

There will be an environmental training session for operators of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on June 23, 2026, at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron.

SDSU Extension invites operators to CAFO environmental training

November 14, 2025

There will be an environmental training session for operators of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on Dec. 3, 2025, at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron.

SDSU Extension invites operators to CAFO environmental training

May 20, 2025

There will be an environmental training session for operators of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on June 25, 2025, at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron.

Veterinarian and pork producer with clipboard inspecting a hog pen.

Can Pork Producers Rely on Antibiotic-Use-Based Product Differentiation To Be Competitive?

Do consumers prefer meat produced with the minimal use of antibiotics compared to meat produced with standard antibiotic use? The following study investigates this question in-depth for South Dakota pork producers.

Swine drinking from a waterer in a finishing facility.

Water Usage Increased by Dietary Phytase Incorporation in Growing and Finishing Swine

Total water usage is an important consideration in sustainable pork production. Recent research at the SDSU investigated water usage of growing and finishing pigs fed diets without or with phytase included in the diet.

South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility exterior.

Trace Mineral Incorporation Level Did Not Impact Grow-Finish Pig Performance

Recent research at SDSU found that supplementing dietary trace minerals at levels closer to NRC requirements in typical corn-soybean meal diets for grow-finish pigs did not have an impact on overall pig performance and carcass characteristics.

SDSU off-site wean-to-finish production barn.

Evaluating the Effects of Replacing Soy Protein Concentrate with Corn-Fermented Protein on Growth Performance and Gut Integrity of Weaned Pigs

A recent trial at the SDSU offsite swine commercial wean-to-finish research barn investigated if corn-fermented protein could replace soy protein concentrate in weaned pig diets with similar effects on growth performance and gut integrity.