Comparisons
Hoop buildings can provide significant advantages over open lot facilities for beef finishing both in terms of animal environment and in terms of environmental protection. The table below gives some comparisons between bedded hoop buildings and open feedlots.
| Bedded Hoop Building | Open Earthen Lot | |
| Space/Head | 40 sq. ft. per head | 250-500 sq. ft. per head |
| Initial Cost | $400-500 per head | $175-250 per head |
| Bedding Needs | Continuous bedding (stalks, straw, etc) | Some winter bedding as dictated by weather |
| Manure Control | Manure remains in building or storage structure until application | Manure runs out of pens to settling/storage basins for storage until application |
| Animal Environment | Same temperature as outdoors, but protected from rain/snow/wind | Same temperature as outdoors, plus exposure to rain/snow and some wind |
| Animal Performance | More consistent May have 3-4% improved ADG and FE compared to average open lots in the upper Midwest* |
Varies some by season and lot conditions |
| * based on preliminary indications from ongoing research at South Dakota State University | ||
More detailed comparisons can be found
in the Beef Feedlot Systems Manual (Pm-1867, ISU)