Association of floor type on health parameters of cattle fed indoors during the finishing phase

Authors

  • R. D. Dewell Center for Food Security and Public Health, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
  • G. A. Dewell Department of Veterinary and Diagnostic Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
  • R. M. Euken Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ames, IA 50011
  • L. J. Sadler Department of Animal Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011
  • C. Wang Department of Veterinary and Diagnostic Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011; Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20153568

Keywords:

environment, animal welfare, beef, rubber mats

Abstract

The use of indoor confinement concrete slatted floor feeding facilities has grown in the US to comply with increasing environmental regulations and decreasing land availability. Rubber mats manufactured to be installed on top of concrete slats are being promoted to increase comfort and improve welfare and performance. There are limited published data on the association of rubber mats with bovine health and performance in a North American production setting. The objective of this project was to evaluate potential health differences associated with various types of slatted flooring in confined beef operations during the finishing phase of production.

Cover image of the 48th Conference Proceedings: An image of Dr. Fred Gingrich II dressed in a red shirt and overalls and standing in front of dairy cows in a barn interior. Yellow background.

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Published

2015-09-17

Issue

2015

Section

Research Summaries 1

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