B.FLT.4020 - Evaluation of partial pen coverage with shelter in a commercial feedlot

Summary

This project evaluated the effects of partial covered housing and woodchip bedding in long-fed Angus cattle in the final 110 days of their feeding period. These data are essential to provide feedlot managers, owners, and operators with clear data regarding the advantages of partial covered housing and bedding for feedlot cattle and to quantify the costs of such interventions. The results of this research will help producers to make informed decisions regarding installation and adoption of strategies to improve animal comfort, welfare, performance and health.

Objectives

This project determined the effect of partial covered shelter and bedding on animal productivity, health, wellbeing, environment and carcase characteristics of feedlot cattle. It was completed in a large commercial feedlot with the objective to evaluate the benefits of bedding and partial covered housing, a potential solution to protect cattle from solar radiation and heat in summer and rainfall and wet conditions in winter.

Key findings

• Cattle under partial covered housing with bedding had increased feed intake (0.45kg DM/hd/d), average daily gain (0.09kg/d), and exit weight (11.1kg).
• Cattle under partial covered housing with bedding had increased hot carcase weight (6.3kg HSCW).
• Bedding has a significantly positive impact on musculoskeletal health in long-fed Angus cattle, reducing morbidity and cull rates.
• Pen floor contents removed from pens with bedding had increased carbon: nitrogen ratio, total carbon and moisture content.

Benefits to industry

Partial covered housing and bedding were clearly evaluated as potential interventions to improve animal performance and welfare. These results demonstrate cattle have increased feed intake, average daily gain and hot carcase weight under partial covered housing and bedded conditions.

MLA action

MLA will continue to support the strategic R&D needs of Australian lot feeders in relation to understanding the effects of shade and shelter on animal health, welfare and performance.

Future research

Future research should continue to evaluate the effects of the same parameters over sequential year-round conditions as annual weather conditions including rainfall and temperature are variable and hence have a significant impact on the effects of partial covered housing and bedding.