Slatted Floor Pens Research Articles

PSIII-14 Cotton gin byproduct in growing diets for beef steers

Abstract The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of beef cattle during the stocker phase when fed different concentrations of cotton gin byproduct (CGB). Angus steers [n = 50; initial body weight (BW) = 349 ± 66 kg) were stratified by BW and grouped in slatted floor pens (10 steers/pen). Steers were assigned randomly within pen (2 per pen) to one of five diets containing 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB (dry matter basis). Diets were balanced for protein and energy, and the steers were fed for 84 d. Steers were weighed on d -1, 0, 28, 56, 83, and 84 for the stocker phase with d -1 and 0, 83 and 84 averaged to give start and end BW. Following the growing period, steers were switched to the same finishing diet and fed for an additional 55 d prior to being transported to PA for harvest and carcass data collection. Data were analyzed using procMIXED of SASv9.4 to determine the significance of linear, quadratic, cubic, and quartic trends. During the growing phase, dry matter intake increased linearly (P = 0.0017) with 10.16, 11.23, 11.59, 11.86, and 11.96 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Average daily gain tended to increase (P = 0.0631) with a cubic trend, increasing with the first addition of CGB, declining at the intermediate levels, and then increasing again at the 40% level (1.34, 1.54, 1.36, 1.39, and 1.52 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively). Feed efficiency showed a similar cubic trend (P = 0.10) with 0.133, 0.138, 0.119, 0.117, and 0.128 for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Within the finishing phase, average daily gain was significant (P = 0.026) as a quadratic trend with 1.54, 1.25, 1.18, 1.20, and 1.33 kg/d for 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% CGB, respectively. Diets did not differ (P > 0.10) for dry matter intake (10.08 kg/d), feed conversion (8.31), or feed efficiency (0.130). Treatment did not influence (P > 0.10) marbling or other carcass measurements. Data suggest CGB supported good animal gains with only minor impact on feed intake and feed efficiency for stocker steers up to an inclusion rate of 40%.

PSII-1 Beef steers divergent in average daily gain have differential expressions of immunity-related genes in whole blood

Abstract We evaluated the whole-blood immune-related gene expression profiles in beef steers divergent in average daily gain (ADG). Forty-eight healthy Angus crossbred beef steers (21 d post-weaning; 210 ± 12 kg of BW) from a single source were housed in individual slatted floor pens and were fed similar corn silage-based total mixed ration ad libitum. After 42 days of feeding, the steers were assigned into two groups with lowest ADG (LF: n = 8) and highest (HF: n = 8) ADG. The average daily DM intake of the steers in LF and HF were 6.08 kg ± 0.57 and 6.04 kg ± 0.42, respectively, and was similar between the two groups (P = 0.72). Whole blood samples were taken from both LF and HF steers and were immediately processed for RNA extraction. Messenger RNA expressions of 84 genes related to innate and adaptive immune responses were analyzed using the RT2 Profiler cow innate and adaptive immune responses PCR Array (PABT-052ZA; Qiagen). Immune genes with FC ≥ 1.2 or ≤ 0.83 having P-value ≤ 0.05 were considered to be differentially expressed. A total number of 11 immune genes were differentially expressed between HF and LF steers. The mRNA expressions of 10 immune genes (IRF3, TLR3, CCR4, MAPK3, TYK2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT6, CCR8, and GATA3) were upregulated in HF steers; these genes were involved in viral pathogen recognition and eradication, defense against intracellular and extracellular pathogens and parasites, and immune response homeostasis. A pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-2, was upregulated in LF steers. These findings demonstrate that beef steers with divergent ADG had differential expressions of immune-related genes in the blood and future studies are needed to evaluate the mechanisms that cause differences in the expression of these immune genes and how these mechanisms can be employed to drive improved animal performance.

PSII-2 Beef steers with divergent average daily gain have altered plasma amine/phenol-metabolome

Abstract This study applied a chemical isotope labeling/liquid chromatography mass spectrometry-based metabolomics technique to determine differences in plasma metabolites containing amine/phenol and carbonyl chemical groups in beef steers with divergent average daily gain (ADG). Thirty-eight Angus crossbred beef steers (21 d post-weaning; 210 ± 12 kg of BW) from a single source were housed in individual slatted floor pens and were fed the same total mixed ration (CP = 14.5% and NEg = 1.10 Mcal/kg) ad libitum for 42 d with free access to water. After 42 days of feeding, the steers were divided into two groups of lowest ADG (LF: n = 8) and highest (HF: n = 8) ADG. Blood samples were taken from both LF and HF steers and were immediately centrifuged to harvest the plasma. The average daily DM intake of the steers in LF and HF were 6.08 kg ± 0.57 and 6.04 kg ± 0.42, respectively, and was similar between the two groups (P = 0.72). The ADG of LF (0.99 kg ± 0.23) was lower (P = 0.01) than that of HF (1.63 kg ± 0.20). A total number of 42 carbonyl-containing metabolites and 229 amine/phenol-containing metabolites were identified in the plasma samples of both groups. No alteration in carbonyl-metabolome was detected. Ten metabolites including 4,6-dihydroxyquinoline, prolyl-valine, prolyl-leucine, prolyl-isoleucine, L-formylkynurenine, pyrocatechol, and histidine were greater in HF steers whereas 8 metabolites including arginine, phenylalanine, guanidoacetic acid, and aspartyl-threonine were greater in LF steers. This study demonstrated that beef steers with divergent ADG had altered plasma amine/phenol metabolome. Notably, plasma concentrations of dipeptides containing branched chain amino acid residues (prolyl-valine, prolyl-leucine, prolyl-isoleucine) and metabolites with anti-inflammatory and reactive oxygen-scavenging properties (4,6-dihydroxyquinoline and L-formylkynurenine) were greater in steers with high ADG.

165 The effects of feeding lasalocid in combination with zeranol implants on performance and carcass traits in hair sheep

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of dietary inclusion of lasalocid in combination with zeranol implants on the performance and carcass characteristics of hair sheep. Thirty wether hair lambs (BW = 25.8 + 4.6 kg) were stratified by BW and BCS and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental treatments in a randomized complete block design. The treatments included no implant or ionophore (CON); and the experimental treatment, receiving the ionophore lasalocid (Bovatec® 91; Zoetis, Kalamazoo, MI) and anabolic zeranol implants (Ralgro®; MSD Animal Health, Spartan, RSA; LZ). Lambs on the LZ treatment received 12 mg of zeranol on d 0, 56, and 112, unless lambs were harvested prior to day 112, and consumed an average of 35 mg per day of lasalocid. Lambs had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the experiment and were housed in individual, slatted floor pens. Performance data were collected on d 0, 14, 28, 56, 84, and at harvest. After d 84, harvest dates were selected and lambs were harvested by block based on proximity to ideal harvest weight and fat thickness. Lasalocid in the diet combined with zeranol implants increased final BW by 14.2% in comparison to CON (P < 0.01). Overall ADG was increased by 36.2% (P < 0.01), and overall G:F was improved by 24.4% for LZ when compared to CON (P = 0.01). There was no difference in overall DMI between treatments (P = 0.13). Hot carcass weight (HCW; P < 0.01), and loin eye area (LEA; P < 0.01) were also greater for the LZ treatment. Dietary inclusion of lasalocid in combination with zeranol implants improved overall BW, ADG, and feed efficiency as well as HCW and LEA in hair sheep.

166 The effects of feeding lasalocid in combination with zeranol implants on performance and carcass traits in hair sheep

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of dietary inclusion of lasalocid in combination with zeranol implants on the performance and carcass characteristics of hair sheep. Thirty wether hair lambs (BW = 25.8 + 4.6 kg) were stratified by BW and BCS and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 experimental treatments in a randomized complete block design. The treatments included no implant or ionophore (CON); and the experimental treatment, receiving the ionophore lasalocid (Bovatec® 91; Zoetis, Kalamazoo, MI) and anabolic zeranol implants (Ralgro®; MSD Animal Health, Spartan, RSA; LZ). Lambs on the LZ treatment received 12 mg of zeranol on d 0, 56, and 112, unless lambs were harvested prior to day 112, and consumed an average of 35 mg per day of lasalocid. Lambs had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the experiment and were housed in individual, slatted floor pens. Performance data were collected on d 0, 14, 28, 56, 84, and at harvest. After d 84, harvest dates were selected and lambs were harvested by block based on proximity to ideal harvest weight and fat thickness. Lasalocid in the diet combined with zeranol implants increased final BW by 14.2% in comparison to CON (P < 0.01). Overall ADG was increased by 36.2% (P < 0.01), and overall G:F was improved by 24.4% for LZ when compared to CON (P = 0.01). There was no difference in overall DMI between treatments (P = 0.13). Hot carcass weight (HCW; P < 0.01), and loin eye area (LEA; P < 0.01) were also greater for the LZ treatment. Dietary inclusion of lasalocid in combination with zeranol implants improved overall BW, ADG, and feed efficiency as well as HCW and LEA in hair sheep.

Growth performance and hematological changes of weaned beef calves diagnosed with respiratory disease using respiratory scoring and thoracic ultrasonography.

This study investigated 1) the effect of clinical bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and associated lung consolidations on growth performance and hematological profiles of recently weaned beef calves and 2) the relationship between clinical respiratory signs and lung consolidation detected by thoracic ultrasonography (TUS). One hundred and fifty-three weaned beef calves (209 days old [SD: 35.8] and 306 kg [SD: 26.3], at arrival) purchased and transported from auction markets were accommodated indoors in concrete slatted floor pens. Calves were weighed weekly from arrival until day 28 and on day 65 post-arrival. Assessment of BRD and blood sample collection for hematological profiles were performed on scheduled days (at arrival, on days 7, 14, and 28) and on other days upon BRD diagnosis. Animals were assessed for BRD using a total clinical respiratory score (CRS) of five clinical signs (rectal temperature, ear position, cough, nasal secretion, and eye secretion with each ranging from normal [0] to abnormal [3]) and TUS scores (normal [0] to lung consolidation ≥ 1 cm2 [2]). Based on CRS, 35% of calves were CRS+ (CRS ≥ 5) and 65% were CRS- (CRS < 5). Although no lung consolidations (TUS-) were detected at arrival, 34% of calves developed lung consolidation (≥1 cm2) (TUS+) during the first 28 d post-arrival. Only fever (>39.6 °C) and nasal discharge were weakly associated (r = 0.19, P <0.05) with lung consolidation. On the day of BRD detection, neutrophil number and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio were 58% and 73% greater, respectively, in BRD calves with lung consolidation compared with healthy calves. From day 0 to 65, calf average daily gain (ADG) did not differ (P >0.05) between CRS+ and CRS- calves but was 0.09 kg/d lower (P < 0.05) for TUS+ compared with TUS- calves. Calves classified as BRD (CRS + TUS ≥ 5) with lung consolidation had lower (P < 0.05) ADG from arrival until day 28 than healthy calves and BRD calves without lung consolidation (0.11 ± 0.10 vs. 0.53 ± 0.07 vs. 0.57 ± 0.10 kg/d, respectively); however, no differences in ADG were observed from day 0 to 65. Conventional methods to diagnose BRD failed to detect calves with lung lesions. TUS is a useful tool to detect lung lesions and its implementation in combination with CRS should provide a more accurate and early diagnosis of BRD, which is fundamental to successful treatment, animal welfare, and growth performance.

Does picture background matter? People's evaluation of pigs in different farm settings.

Pictures of farm animals and their husbandry systems are frequently presented in the media and are mostly connected to discussions surrounding farm animal welfare. How such pictures are perceived by the broader public is not fully understood thus far. It is presumable that the animalsʼ expressions and body languages as well as their depicted environment or husbandry systems affect public perception. Therefore, the aim of this study is to test how the evaluation of a picture showing a farmed pig is influenced by portrayed attributes, as well as participants’ perceptions of pigs’ abilities in general, and if connection to agriculture has an influence. In an online survey, 1,019 German residents were shown four modified pictures of a pig in a pen. The pictures varied with regards to facial expression and body language of the pig (ʽhappyʼ versus ʽunhappyʼ pig) and the barn setting (straw versus slatted floor pen). Respondents were asked to evaluate both the pen and the welfare of the pig. Two Linear Mixed Models were calculated to analyze effects on pig and pen evaluation. For the pictures, the pen had the largest influence on both pig and pen evaluation, followed by the pigʼs appearance and participants’ beliefs in pigs’ mental and emotional abilities, as well as their connection to agriculture. The welfare of both the ʽhappyʼ and the ʽunhappyʼ pig was assessed to be higher in the straw setting compared to the slatted floor setting in our study, and even the ʽunhappy pigʼ on straw was perceived more positively than the ʽhappy pigʼ on slatted floor. The straw pen was evaluated as being better than the slatted floor pen on the pictures we presented but the pens also differed in level of dirt on the walls (more dirt in the slatted floor pen), which might have influenced the results. Nevertheless, the results suggest that enduring aspects of pictures such as the husbandry system influence perceptions more than a momentary body expression of the pig, at least in the settings tested herein.

Influences of Housing Systems and Slaughter Weight on the Market Realization of Slaughter Pigs by SEUROP Classification

The aim of the study was to evaluate an influence of housing technology and slaughter weight of slaughter pigs on realization with SEUROP system. Slaughter pigs of hybrid combination (Czech Large White × Czech Landrace) × Duroc were studied for reasons of an experiment. Analysed were 733 pigs. Slaughter pigs fattened on deep-bedded pens reached higher slaughter weight, higher back fat thickness, higher muscle deep, higher price per 1 kg of slaughter weight in comparison with pigs on slatted floor pens, but on the contrary they reached a lower portion of lean meat. These data were determined in pigs on deep-bedded pens: 117.58 kg slaughter weight, 16.78 mm of back fat thickness, 61.30 mm of muscle deep, 55.53 % of lean meat portion and price 32.15 Kc per 1 kg of slaughter weight. These data were determined in pigs reared on slatted floor pens: 110.82 kg slaughter weight, 14.38 mm of back fat thickness, 56.67 mm of muscle deep, 57.11 % of lean meat portion and price 31.86 Kc per 1 kg of slaughter weight. A statistical conclusive difference on a level of importance P ≤ 0.01 was found between pigs bred on deep-bedded pens and on slatted floor pens in traits slaughter weight, back fat thickness, muscle deep and meatiness. From experiment it is obvious that for 1 kg of slaughter weight in all business classes SEUROP higher price was in pigs fattened on deep-bedded pens in comparison with pigs fattened on slatted floor pens.

Dairy buffalo life cycle assessment as affected by heifer rearing system

Abstract In the near future dairy enterprises will have to meet increasing environmental regulations. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects on the environment of dairy buffalo farming as affected by two different heifer rearing systems, free-ranging (FR) and confinement (C) using the Life Cycle Assessment approach. The primary data were collected from 32 subjects. The analysis included all of the farming phases (i.e. birth to weaning, weaning to 7–8 months of age, 7–8 months to puberty, puberty to first calving, lactation, dry period). During the heifer phase from 7 to 8 months of age to puberty, sixteen animals were group-housed and confined in an indoor slatted floor pen (4 m2/animal) with an outdoor paddock (4 m2/animal); 16 others were FR on a Mediterranean natural pasture. When pubertal, the animals from system FR were returned to the farm and reunited with the animals from system C. We used 1 kg of fat and protein corrected buffalo milk (FPCM), with a reference milk fat and protein content of 8.3% and 4.73%, respectively, as functional unit. Impact categories investigated were Climate Change (CC), Terrestrial Acidification (TA), Marine Eutrophication (ME), Agricultural land occupation (ALO), Water depletion (WD). At category level system FR showed a reduction of the impact in terms of CC (9%), TA (10%), ME (6%) and WD (11%), whereas ALO was 7% higher as compared to system C. In conclusion, we clearly showed that the conduction of part of dairy buffalo farming (i.e. the unproductive phase from 7 to 8 months of age to puberty) on natural pasture is possible and it also allows the reduction of several sources of pollution while reducing the production costs, hence the economic sustainability. Although this system requires a greater use of land, parameters concerning the quality of land use should be included for a more accurate assessment of this aspect.

Environmental impact of dairy buffalo heifers kept on pasture or in confinement

In western countries buffaloes are emerging as an alternative species for dairy product differentiation. In the near future dairy enterprises will have to meet increasing environmental regulations. Life Cycle Assessment has been widely used to assess the environmental impact of different milk production systems. We aimed to examine the environmental consequences of two dairy buffalo heifer farming systems using the Life Cycle Assessment approach. The primary data were collected from 32 subjects aged 7–8months at the start of the experiment until they reached the age of puberty in about 12months (i.e. at the age of 19–20months). Sixteen animals were group-housed and confined in an indoor slatted floor pen (4m2/animal) with an outdoor paddock (4m2/animal); 16 others free-ranged on a Mediterranean natural pasture. The environmental charges for global warming potential expressed in terms of total emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq) was 35.7% less in the free-ranging system as compared with the confined system. The main source of pollution for the confined system was biogenic methane (total amount produced=2012kg CO2-eq) followed by CO2 from fossil fuels (total amount produced=1006kg CO2-eq). The environmental charges for acidification potential, eutrophication potential and non-renewable energy use were 86.3%. 60.0% and 81.4% lower in the free-ranging system compared with the confined system, respectively. In the confined system the largest pollutant in terms of acidification potential was ammonia, whereas nitrate leaching in water (total amount produced=3311g SO2-eq) and the use of crude oil (total amount consumed=5684MJ-eq) were the most relevant for eutrophication potential and non-renewable energy use, respectively.Our results represent the first example of study comparing the environmental impact of an intensive dairy farming system with an alternative natural pasture based system in the Mediterranean region and suggest that the conduction of the unproductive part of the cycle on natural pasture can promote the reduction of several sources of pollution both in atmosphere and in water. Conversely, land occupation was higher in the free-ranging system as compared with the confined system (20,349 vs 1381m2year, respectively). However, the software and the database used for this calculation only considered duration of land use and yield per area unit, whereas no relevance was given to the quality of land use in terms of animal welfare promotion, contribution to biodiversity conservation, and maintenance of economically active social communities. Therefore, we suggest that the estimation of the impact categories related to land occupation would include aspects concerning the nature of the land.

Comparing the dynamics of Toxoplasma gondii seroconversion in growing sheep kept on raised slatted floor cages or floor pens in Yucatan, Mexico

The objective of this study was to compare the dynamics of Toxoplasma gondii seroconversion in growing sheep kept on raised slatted floor cages (RFC) or floor pens (FP) in Yucatan, Mexico. A cohort study was performed in four sheep farms with a sample size of 104 newly weaned T. gondii seronegative lambs (60 days old). Blood samples were collected individually from all the lambs after weaning and every 15 days to determine the presence of IgG antibodies against T. gondii in the serum using an indirect ELISA test. The true incidence rate (TIR), cumulative incidence (CI) and relative risk (RR+/−95% confidence interval [95%CI]) were calculated. Difference in the dynamic of seroconversion was determined by means of a survival analysis. On day 30 of the study (3rd sampling) 1.92% of the sheep seroconverted in the RFC system, while 7.69% of the lambs were positive on the fifth sampling point. In the FP 26.92% of the sheep seroconverted at the second sampling point (15 days of the study), 9.61% at the third sampling point (30 days of the study) and 5.76% at the fourth sampling point (105 days old). The TIR was 0.019 and 0.113 for every 2 weeks at risk (15 days) for the RFC and FP respectively. The RR indicates that lambs kept in FP were 5.7 times more likely to seroconvert against T. gondii than lambs kept in the RFC (95%CI=2.45–13.62; P<0.05). The results indicated that the use of RFC reduce the speed of seroconversion against T. gondii, compared to lambs kept in the FP, despite of being in an environment with high circulation of the agent.

Efficiency to reach age of puberty and behaviour of buffalo heifers (Bubalus bubalis) kept on pasture or in confinement

In order to evaluate the influence of rearing system (free-ranging (FR) v. confinement (C)) on buffalo heifer efficiency to reach age of puberty and on behavioural and immune functions, two experiments were conducted from September 2010 to October 2011. In Experiment I, 32 subjects aged 8 to 9 months at the start of experiment were used. A total of 16 animals (group C) were group housed in an indoor slatted floor pen (4 m2/animal) with an outdoor paddock (4 m2/animal); 16 others grazed on a Mediterranean natural pasture of 40 ha (group FR). Behavioural data were collected and organic matter digestibility, blood metabolites and progesterone were determined. At the end of the experiment, a novel object test and a skin test were conducted, and the avoidance distance (AD) at the manger was measured. Free-ranging animals were able to express natural behaviours such as wallowing and grazing. C animals devoted more time to the novel object than FR animals, whereas AD at manger was lower in group FR than in group C (P<0.01). Cellular immune response was higher in FR heifers than in C animals (P<0.01). FR animals also showed a higher digestibility of organic matter (P<0.01). Heifers from group FR had higher plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (P<0.001) and lower concentrations of glucose than heifers from group C (P<0.001). C animals showed higher daily weight gains (P<0.01) and weight at the puberty (P<0.05), but there were no differences in terms of age of puberty between the two groups. The intakes of dry matter (DM), CP and energy to reach the age of puberty were similar in both groups. In order to verify whether the results obtained in Experiment I could be replicated in different rearing conditions (reduced pasture availability, different location and altitude), a second experiment was conducted on 26 animals, where only onset of age of puberty and metabolic profile were monitored. In Experiment II, 13 heifers grazed on a natural pasture of 5 ha, other 13 received the same space as indicated for Experiment I. Results from Experiment II generally confirmed those of Experiment I. Only the intakes of DM and energy to reach the age of puberty were higher in group C than in FR (P<0.001). A lower competition with human nutrition, reproductive performances similar to those shown by confined animals and the indications given by immune and behavioural variables, suggest that a free-range-based system may be conveniently used for buffalo heifer farming purposes.

Outside enclosure and additional enrichment for dairy goats – a preliminary study

BackgroundDairy goats are commonly housed at a space allowance of 0.7 – 0.8 m2/goat in commercial Norwegian goat herds, which is very low compared to regulations and recommendations in other European countries. One easy and cheap way to increase space allowance is to allow the animals’ access to outdoor area. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of access to an outside enclosure and environmental enrichment for dairy goats kept in slatted floor pens with low space allowance on their activity pattern and social behaviour.MethodsA group of 82 dairy goats on a commercial Norwegian dairy farm were kept inside during the winter period from October to April. In April the goats were given access to an outside enclosure for 8 hours per day. After having access to the enclosure for another for two days, enrichment (branches) was provided, and after 19 days the enrichment were removed. The goats were observed for 5 hours per day for the two last days before they got access to the outside enclosure, the two days in the enclosure, the two first and the two last days with enrichment and for the following two days without enrichment by two trained observers.ResultsWhen allowed access to the enclosure, the goats spent nearly 50% of the time outside, and later the time spent outside was reduced to less than 40% (P < 0.0001), but there was no clear effect of enrichment. All the goats appeared to have a regular use of the enclosure. Time spent resting decreased 59.2% to only 25.2% when the goats first got access to the enclosure, but then started to increase again (P < 0.0001). Initially time spent exploring and chewing the branches was 20%, but this was reduced to around 12% in the last part of the ENRICH period (P < 0.0001). Number of aggressive interactions tended to increase when the goats were allowed access to the outdoor enclosure whereas play behaviour was only observed in the outside enclosure (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIn conclusion, the goats preferred to use the outside enclosure when being active, and branches were perceived as an attractive enrichment.

Alternative housing systems for fattening bulls under Austrian conditions with special respect to rubberised slatted floors

AbstractPrevious studies have noted significant welfare problems in cattle housed on fully slatted floors. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of alternative housing systems under on-farm conditions. Health, behavioural and farm data of fattening bulls were collected on seven Austrian farms between January 2006 and April 2007. The housing systems studied comprised fully slatted concrete floor pens (CS), fully slatted floor pens covered with rubber mats (RS), straw-bedded pens (ST) and a system combining straw-bedded pens (for bulls weighing &lt; 450 kg) and fully slatted floor pens (for bulls weighing &gt; 450 kg; SS). The numbers of scabs/wounds on the carpal joint and severe lesions/partial losses of the tail tip were significantly higher in CS and SS than in RS and ST. The claws of bulls in ST and RS showed clear signs of reduced abrasion, but this does not seem to have any negative impact on the corium. Behavioural alterations were observed mainly in CS and SS. The numbers of lying and short standing bouts were significantly higher in ST and RS than in CS; the mean duration of lying bouts was significantly lower. Mean duration of lying down and standing up was significantly lower in ST than in CS and SS. Bulls in ST had a significantly higher daily weight gain than bulls in all other systems. It is concluded that rubber mats improve the welfare of bulls housed on slatted floors. However, neither the RS nor the SS system reached the welfare potential of straw bedding provided throughout life.

Does rubber flooring improve welfare and production in growing bulls in fully slatted floor pens?

AbstractThis study compared the effects of concrete slats (CS), synthetic rubber slats on aluminium profiles (RS) and slotted rubber mats on concrete slats (RM) in fully slatted floor pens on behaviour, claw and leg disorders, claw horn growth, cleanliness and production parameters of growing dairy bulls from 225 to 650 kg average liveweight. Each pen housed five bulls up to 400 kg average liveweight and four bulls thereafter. On CS, lying bouts were less frequent and longer than onRMand RS at 250 kg. Lying down phase 1 was longest on CS and shortest onRM. Interrupted attempts at lying down occurred twice as often on CS as on the rubber floors. Severity scores for white line haemorrhage and sole haemorrhage were higher in bulls on CS than on RM. Swelling on legs had highest scores on CS, whereas the severity score for heel horn erosion was lowest on CS. Floor type had no effect on dermatitis, leg hairlessness and skin damage. Both claw horn growth and wear were greater on CS than on RS and RM. Bulls on RS and CS were cleanest. Slaughter age tended to be higher and carcase conformation score tended to be lower on CS than on rubber, whereas feed intake, feed efficiency and other carcase traits were unaffected. The results indicate that rubber flooring improves animal welfare compared with concrete.

Effects of distillers grains with high sulfur concentration on ruminal fermentation and digestibility of finishing diets1,2

Twelve ruminally cannulated crossbred Angus steers were used to evaluate ruminal fermentation characteristics and diet digestibility when 30% (DM) corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) containing 0.42 or 0.65% (DM) of dietary S was incorporated into finishing diets based on steam-flaked corn (SFC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC). The study was a replicated, balanced randomized incomplete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors consisted of dietary S concentration (0.42 and 0.65% of DM; 0.42S and 0.65S, respectively) and grain processing method (SFC or DRC). The 0.65S concentration was achieved by adding H(2)SO(4) to DDGS before mixing rations. Steers were assigned randomly to diets and individual, slatted-floor pens, and fed once daily for ad libitum intake. Two 15-d experimental periods were used, each consisting of a 12-d diet adaptation phase and a 3-d sample collection phase. Samples were collected at 2-h intervals postfeeding during the collection phase. Ruminal pH was measured immediately after sampling, and concentrations of ruminal ammonia and VFA were determined. Fecal samples were composited by steer within period and used to determine apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, OM, NDF, CP, starch, and ether extract. Feeding 0.65S tended (P = 0.08) to decrease DMI but resulted in greater apparent total tract digestibilities of DM (P = 0.04) and ether extract (P = 0.03). Ruminal pH increased (P < 0.05) in steers fed 0.65S diets, which may be attributable, in part, to decreased (P = 0.05) VFA concentrations and greater (P < 0.01) ruminal ammonia concentrations when 0.65S was fed, compared with feeding 0.42S. These effects were more exaggerated in steers fed DRC (interaction, P < 0.01), compared with steers fed SFC. Steers fed DRC-0.65S had greater (P < 0.01) acetate concentration than steers fed DRC-0.42S, but acetate concentration was not affected by S concentration when SFC was fed. Propionate concentration was decreased (P < 0.01) in steers fed SFC-0.65S compared with steers fed SFC-0.42S, but dietary S concentration had no effect on propionate concentration when DRC was fed. Butyrate concentration was less (P < 0.01) in steers fed 0.65S diets than in steers fed 0.42S. Lactate concentrations tended (P = 0.06) to decrease in steers fed 0.65S diets. Feeding DDGS with increased S concentration may decrease feed intake and ruminal VFA concentration but increase ruminal ammonia concentration.

The effect of shape, width and slope of a resting platform on the resting behaviour of and floor cleanliness for housed sheep

The aim of this experiment was to investigate how the shape (U-shaped, L-shaped or platform, both in the front and back (FB-shaped) of the pen), width (0.5 m or 0.6 m) and slope (0% or 5%) of a solid wooden resting platform, together with the cleaning frequency (daily or every 2nd day) would affect the resting behaviour of ewes and floor cleanliness. The experiment was conducted in three different commercial farms in Norway, and within each herd, two of the factors were tested in a 2 × 2 factorial design using four experimental pens, while the effect of cleaning frequency (daily or every other day) was replicated within the herd using four additional experimental pens (eight experimental pens within each herd). Ewes were systematically rotated between pens within herds and the ewes’ resting behaviour was scored for the last 6 days of each experimental period. The manure on the solid resting platforms was collected and weighed, while moisture on the surface of the resting platforms was scored for the 2 last days of each experimental period. In all herds, significantly more sheep were observed resting in pens with FB-shaped resting platforms than in pens with U- or L-shaped platforms ( P < 0.0001). A reduced amount of time on resting platforms was mainly compensated for an increase in the number of sheep lying on the slatted floor and partly by an increase in the number of sheep that was standing. An effective perimeter length (EPL) with a minimum of 0.9 m per ewe was needed to enable all sheep to rest simultaneously on the resting platform. Increasing the slope of the resting platform had no effect on resting behaviour, but decreasing the width of the platforms resulted in more ewes resting on the original pen floor ( P < 0.01). A slope of 5% resulted in a significantly lower amount of manure ( P < 0.0001) and a lower moisture score ( P < 0.0001). In two of the herds, cleaning every 2nd day increased the amount of manure ( P < 0.01), but not the moisture score. In conclusion, FB-shaped resting platforms of solid wood may be a relatively cheap and convenient way of increasing the resting time and comfort of sheep housed in fully slatted floor pens, as long as there is a sufficient amount of effective perimeter length available.

Effects of different housing systems on the behaviour of beef bulls—An on-farm assessment on Austrian farms

Previous studies noted significant health and behavioural problems in cattle accommodated on fully slatted floors. As the majority of beef bulls in Austria are still housed on fully slatted floors the development of alternative housing systems becomes vitally important. On the basis of behavioural analyses, we wanted to test the suitability of alternative housing systems under on-farm conditions. Data was collected on seven Austrian farms between January 2006 and April 2007. The resting, social and sexual behaviour of 219 Simmental bulls accommodated in four different housing systems was observed for 48 h at an average live weight of 450 kg and 600 kg using continuous and scan sampling method. The studied housing systems were (a) fully concrete slatted floor pens (CS), (b) fully slatted floor pens covered with rubber mats (RS), (c) straw bedded pens (ST) and (d) a system combining straw bedded pens (for bulls weighing less than 450 kg) and fully slatted floor pens (for bulls weighing more than 450 kg), (SS). The number of lying (P > 0.001) and short standing bouts (P < 0.001) was significantly higher in ST and RS than in CS and the mean duration of lying bouts significantly lower (P < 0.001). Bulls in ST showed less atypical lying down movements and difficulties to stand up than bulls in the other systems (P < 0.001). The number of lying down intentions was significantly lower in ST and RS than in CS (P < 0.001). Moreover, we found a significantly lower mean duration of lying down (P = 0.005) and standing up (P < 0.001) in ST than in CS and SS. It is concluded that rubber mats for slatted floors have a positive effect on the bulls’ behaviour but do not reach the welfare potential of straw bedding.

Colour, composition and quality of M. longissimus dorsi and M. extensor carpi radialis of steers housed on straw or concrete slats or accommodated outdoors on wood-chips

Forty-five Charolais crossbred steers were offered a common diet and accommodated either outside on wood-chips (OWP, 18 m 2/head) or in a naturally-ventilated building in slatted-floor pens (SLA, 2.5 m 2/500 kg bodyweight) or in straw-bedded pens (STR, 4 m 2/head) for 132 days. Carcass weight averaged 351, 362, and 372 (sed 6.63) kg ( P < 0.05), for SLA, STR and OWP, respectively. Accommodation system did not affect the colour, drip loss, shear force or composition of Musculus longissimus dorsi (LD) or Musculus extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscles or the sensory characteristics of LD. The ultimate pH of ECR was highest ( P < 0.05) for OWP steers, while their LD was darker at 2 days post-mortem than LD from STR steers. It is concluded that accommodating cattle on OWP had a minor transient effect on beef colour and no impact on beef composition or eating quality.

The effect of rearing system on behavioural and immune responses of buffalo heifers

From November 2005 to October 2006 thirty-two buffalo heifers from the same commercial farm were used to evaluate the effect of rearing system on a range of behavioural and immune variables. Sixteen heifers were group-housed in indoor slatted floor pen (3.0 m2/animal) with an outdoor paddock (3.0 m2/animal) at ~5m above sea level (group IR). Sixteen others were kept at ~600m above sea level. They grazed a fenced Mediterranean maquis of ~40ha (group ER). At the end of the experimental period the animals were subjected to a novel object test. Each animal was exposed to a novel environment (a 6x6-m paddock), where in the middle a traffic cone was present. Avoidance distance at manger was evaluated by an assessor who walked slowly (1 step per second) toward each animal with one hand slightly forward until signs of withdrawal. Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA, 1mg/animal) was used to perform a skin test based on specific delayed type hypersensitivity. During the novel object test, IR animals touched more and devoted more time to the traffic cone than ER animals (P =0.003 and P=0.008, respectively). Avoidance distance at manger was lower in ER animals than IR (P=0.004). Skin thickness after PHA injection was higher in ER heifers than in IR (P=0.003). The results indicated that an extensive rearing system based on pasture seems to be a valid method to promote welfare and sustainability of buffalo heifer.