Reduced space in outdoor feedlot impacts beef cattle welfare

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Animal Welfare
• Agricultural Engineering

Background:

• Growing trend to reduce space allowance per animal in cattle feedlots.
• Potential negative impacts on animal welfare are a concern.
• Need to evaluate space allowance effects on beef cattle in outdoor feedlots.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of different space allowances on beef cattle welfare in outdoor feedlots.
• To assess animal-based and environmental indicators under varying stocking densities.
• To determine the impact of space on health, behavior, and physiological stress.

Main Methods:

• 1350 Nellore bulls were housed in three space allowances: 6, 12, and 24 m²/animal for 12 weeks.
• Animal health, body cleanliness, maintenance behavior, and environmental factors (mud, dust) were assessed weekly.
• Postmortem assessments included organ examination and adrenal gland measurements.

Main Results:

• Reduced space allowance (6 m²/animal) led to more sneezes (dry period) and locomotion alterations (rainy period).
• Higher incidence of coughing, diarrhea, and nasal discharge observed in the 6 m²/animal group.
• Increased mud depth and reduced feed bunk attendance occurred with less space, particularly during the rainy season. Lower adrenal gland weight and cortical area in the 24 m²/animal group suggest reduced stress.

Conclusions:

• Decreasing space allowance in outdoor feedlots degrades the environment.
• Reduced space negatively impacts beef cattle welfare, affecting health and behavior.
• Optimal space allowance is crucial for maintaining animal well-being in feedlot systems.