23 Effects of Rubber Matting on Cattle Locomotion Scores in Slatted Facilities

Abstract

Abstract The objective was to determine effects of interlocking rubber floor matting in slatted indoor cattle feeding facilities on cattle locomotion. In experiment 1, Fall-born Angus × Simmental steers (N = 206; BW = 228 ± 34 kg) were blocked by weight and assigned to 32 pens. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: new Max Grip Animat matting (MG), new Animat Pebble matting (PEB), old Animat Pebble matting (OLD), and no matting/concrete slating (CONC). Steers were fed a common diet for 209 d with an average stocking density of 3.70 m2 per steer. Locomotion scores were assigned by two trained staff using a 0–3 scale of the Step-Up® Locomotion Scoring System (Zinpro, Eden Prairie, MN) throughout both experiments. There was no treatment by day interaction (P = 0.88) observed. Treatment affected (P < 0.01) locomotion scores with CONC being the greatest and MG, PEB, and OLD being lesser and not different from each other. Locomotion scores also increased (P < 0.01) over time. In experiment 2, Fall-born Angus × Simmental steers (n = 189; BW = 352 ± 43 kg) were blocked by weight and assigned to 21 pens. Pens were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: new Animat Pebble matting (PEB2), old Animat Pebble matting (OLD2), or no matting/concrete slating (CONC2). Steers were fed a common diet for 152 d with an average stocking density of 2.64 m2 per steer. There was no treatment by day interaction (P = 0.42) observed. However, both treatment and day affected (P ≤ 0.02) locomotion scores. Steers on CONC2 had the greatest locomotion score, while PEB2 and OLD2 were not different from each other. Locomotion scores were the greatest on d 152. Overall, results suggest new and old rubber floor matting improved locomotion scores of feedlot steers in slatted indoor cattle feeding facilities.