Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing a livestock feedlot by early separation of poorly performing animals. Incoming animals are marked with an indentifying number, then are weighed and the number and weight are recorded. At a selected later date the animals are individually directed through a walk-through scale. As the weight is obtained, it is immediately compared to the initial weight. If weight gain is below a selected standard, an indicator light is displayed and a gate into a "cull" pen is automatically opened. If weight gain is above the standard, another indicator light is displayed and a gate into a "retain" pen is automatically opened. Some livestock, no different from others in appearance or other characteristics, do not gain weight rapidly enough to be profitably fed in a feedlot operation. The above reweighing after a short feeding period has been found to be effective in eliminating poorly performing animals.