243 Effects of rubber matting on cattle performance and carcass characteristics in slatted facilities

Abstract

Abstract The objective was to determine effects of interlocking rubber floor matting in slatted indoor cattle feeding facilities on cattle performance and carcass characteristics. In experiment 1, Fall-born Angus x 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. Final BW was affected (P = 0.02) by treatment with PEB steers being the heaviest, MG and CONC were intermediate, and OLD was the lightest. Treatment affected (P < 0.01) ADG with PEB steers being greatest, MG and CONC were intermediate, and OLD was the least. Flooring treatment did not affect overall dry matter intake (P = 0.16) or G:F (P = 0.94). Flooring treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.19) any carcass traits. In experiment 2, Fall-born Angus x 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 (CON2). Steers were fed a common diet for 112 d with an average stocking density of 2.64 m2 per steer. After 112 days on feed, flooring treatment did not affect (P ≥ 0.30) BW or ADG. There were no treatment differences (P = 0.13) observed for overall DMI at d 112. Overall, results suggest new rubber matting in slatted indoor cattle feeding facilities improved ADG during a 209 d trial.