B.FLT.4009-Evaluation of shade and shelter solutions in a southern Australian feedlot

Summary

The influence of climatic stressors on feedlot cattle production and wellbeing is critical as cattle have a narrow range of climatic conditions where optimal thermal comfort occurs. In Australia, extensive research has been conducted on understanding and mitigating the impacts of heat stress, however the impact of cool and/or wet conditions has been limited. The aim of this project was to understand the impact of shade and shelter solutions on animal welfare health and performance outcomes for feedlot cattle during a summer and winter production cycle. For the summer study, 720 heifers were enrolled and randomly allocated to three treatment groups: 1) unshaded; 2) shade cloth (shaded); and 3) partial pen coverage with a waterproof structure for the summer study. In the winter study, a total of 480 steers were enrolled and were randomly allocated to one of two treatments: 1) unsheltered; and 2) sheltered with partial pen coverage with a waterproof structure.

Objectives

• Execute research methodology to evaluate the shade and shelter solutions under large pen research conditions (>40 head) in an unbiased fashion.
• Evaluate the effects of shade and shelter on animal welfare, health, cattle performance and carcase characteristics during both summer and winter conditions relative to conventional production practices at that feedlot.
• Make recommendations on the feasibility of the shade and shelter solutions to the Australian feedlot industry.

Key findings

Key findings of the summer study included:

• Partial pen coverage with a waterproof system provided significant productivity benefits, via an increased carcase adjusted Average Daily Gain (ADGadj; 100g/hd/d), feed efficiency (4%) and hot standard carcase weight (HSCW; 7kg).
• There were no differences in cattle performance between the shaded and unshaded treatments, most likely reflecting the mild and wet summer conditions.
• During very hot conditions (heat load index ≥86), waterproof cattle and shaded (shade cloth) treatments had lower mean panting scores when compared to unshaded cattle, highlighting improved animal comfort.

Key findings for the winter study included:
• Partial pen coverage with waterproof shelter significantly improved carcase adjusted ADG (100g/hd/d) and feed efficiency (5.3%); and tended to improve HSCW (5kg).
• Adrenal gland weight, an objective measure of chronic stress, was greater in unshaded pens.

Benefits to industry

The outcomes from this project provide evidence that the provision of shade and shelter have production and welfare benefits for feedlots positioned in temperate environments, during both summer and winter conditions. The outcomes from this project suggest that implementing shade and shelter solutions in Australia’s feedlot industry are feasible, however each individual feedlot will need to investigate the most viable shade and shelter options for their needs. This will ensure the maximum value in regards to production and welfare, while ensuring that economic viability can be safeguarded.

MLA action

MLA has presented the results of this research to ALFA/MLA Consulting Vets and Nutritionist meeting.

In 2023 the results of this research will be presented at the Australian Lot Feeders' Association Southern Shade Tours. Articles have been written for the MLA Quarterly Feed for distribution to lot feeders.

Future research

The studies conducted within this project have provided further evidence that shade and shelter provision have a positive impact on production and welfare outcomes for feedlot cattle. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of shade/shelter allocation per head (m2/hd).