05 July 2022

Effect of space allowance and floor type on the performance and welfare of cattle

Space allowance and floor type are identified as critical factors affecting the welfare of cattle housed indoors. A research study evaluated the effects on animal performance and welfare of housing finishing beef heifers at a range of space allowances on concrete slatted floors (CSF)

Increasing space allowance for finishing beef cattle above 3.0 m2 on concrete slatted floors (CSF) did not affect animal welfare.

• A space allowance of 3.0 m2 is sufficient for finishing beef cattle on CSF in terms of performance.
• When housed at the same space allowance, accommodating finishing beef heifers on straw as opposed to CSF improved daily live weight gain, but not carcass weight.
• Behavioural results indicated that the provision of straw increased lying time.
• It is necessary to account for the weight and potential growth rate of finishing cattle when deciding what space allowance they should receive.

It was concluded that 2.0 m2 per animal was an insufficient space allowance for finishing steers housed on CSF. There was no difference in average daily live weight gain (ADG) or carcass weight between steers accommodated at 2.5 and 3.0 m2 per animal. There was no difference in ADG or carcass weight between steers housed at 3.0 m2. 

Bernadette Earley1, Michael Keane1,2, Mark McGee1, Edward O’Riordan1and Alan Kelly2

1 Teagasc, Grange Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Dunsany, Co. Meath
2 School of Agriculture and Food Science, University College Dublin, Dublin 4