Effect of Tail Docking on Health and Performance on Feedlot Calves Housed in Confined Slotted Floor Facilities

Abstract

Tail docking of cattle is a management procedure used in many confined slotted floor feedlot operations, particularly in the upper Midwest. The practice is instituted to reduce injury due to tails being stepped on and/or caught in between the slats on slotted floors. This, in turn, is thought to prevent subsequent tail infection, ascending myelitis, septicemia, and lameness caused from these injuries. Although this procedure is performed with the intent to improve animal health and welfare by avoiding injuries, little research has been done to determine whether the practice is neutral, advantageous, or detrimental to the animal and/or production. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance and health of calves that have had their tails docked as part of normal management practices used in midwestern confined slotted barn feedlots when compared to calves without docked tails.