The effect of floor type and space allowance on welfare indicators of finishing steers

Abstract

Stocking density and floor surface type are two factors which could influence animal welfare on slatted accommodation. The objectives of this experiment were to determine the effects of space allowance on slatted floors (1.5, 2.0, 3.0 or 4.0 m2/head) and floor type (slats v. straw) on the welfare of finishing steers. Seventy-five Friesian steers (mean live weight 516 kg) were blocked on bodyweight and randomly assigned from within blocks (n = 15) to one of five housing treatments, with three groups of five steers per treatment. Over a 3-month period, animals were offered concentrates ad libitum plus 2 kg silage dry matter (DM) per head daily. Animal behaviour (lying, eating and social intera..