Finishing Steers in a Deep-Bedded Hoop Barn and a Conventional Feedlot: Effects on Behavior and Temperament in Iowa
Date
Authors
Major Professor
Advisor
Committee Member
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Authors
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Is Version Of
Versions
Series
Department
Abstract
As the Iowa beef industry invests in environmental management, there has been increasing interest in systems that minimize runoff. One example of such a facility is the deep-bedded hoop barn. To date there is limited information comparing animals raised for beef production in regards to their behavior between the deep-bedded hoop barns and other housing systems for beef cattle. Identifying potential alterations in cattle behavior and overall temperament between different housing systems can help producers when redesigning facilities and in the creation of educational management tools, to maximize beneficial impacts for animal well-being and economical return. The objective of this study was to compare steer behavior and temperament between two housing treatments; hoop building (HP) vs. conventional feedlot (FD).