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Minimum space requirements for cattle: An approach based on photographic records
Carmen Gallo1, Bárbara Tabilo1, Grisel Navarro2
1Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.
The Veterinary Record
|March 15, 2023
Summary
This study determined the minimum space cattle need when standing, lying, and sleeping. Results show less space is needed than international recommendations, providing a basis for housing guidelines.
Area of Science:
- Animal science
- Livestock management
- Agricultural engineering
Background:
- Confinement housing for cattle requires understanding physical space and behavioral needs.
- Estimating occupied area for cattle in static standing, recumbency, and sleeping postures is crucial for welfare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the area (m² ) occupied by cattle of varying liveweights in static standing (ST), recumbency (SR), and sleeping (SL) postures.
- To calculate the allometric coefficient (k) for each posture to define space requirements.
Main Methods:
- Conducted in Chile with 26 female beef cross cattle (45–642 kg).
- Area occupied in ST, SR, and SL postures measured via planimetry from overhead photographs.
- Allometric coefficient (k) derived using linear regression of weight (kg⁰·⁶⁶) and occupied area.
Main Results:
- Cattle occupied less, but more variable, space in ST posture compared to SR or SL.
- Clear correlations observed between liveweight and occupied area for all postures.
- Derived k values: 0.014 (ST), 0.023 (SR), and 0.021 (SL), all below international recommendations.
Conclusions:
- Established a scientific basis for objectively determining minimum static space requirements for cattle.
- Calculated allometric coefficients (k values) for different postures.
- Highlights the need for further research on space for behavioral needs and movements in various confinement types.
