ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT AND PEN DESIGN ON AGONIST BEHAVIOUR OF BEEF CATTLE IN FEEDLOT

Abstract

Background. Environmental factors can affect the welfare of cattle in the feedlot and alter their behavior. Objective. The present study determine the effect of the feedlot environment on the agonist behavior of cattle during two seasons in a tropical region of Mexico. Methodology. A prospective observational study was conducted in pens identified as Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3. The agonist behaviour, environmental temperature, relative humidity and Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) were recorded at 8:00, 12:00 and 16:00 h. Results. In autumn, the variation in the threat rate (34 vs. 14; P <0.05) and bumps (20 vs. 12, P <0.01) is influenced by the THI value and the hour of day; at 8:00 the THI did not exceed 77 units, while at 12:00 and 16:00, it exceeded 82 units. In Flehmen's reaction, mounts and vocalizations influenced the hour and design of the pen (P <0.02). In winter, the mounts (18 vs. 10) occurred when the THI value was 69 units (P <0.01), and decreased when it increased to 74 units. The Flehmen´s reaction was higher in Type 3 (14 vs. 7) than in Type 1 (P <0.01). Implications. The agonist behavior of cattle, as measured in this work, should be considered as a measured of cattle welfare indicators in feedlots Conclusions. The increase of THI and design of the pen influence the manifestation of agonist behavior in beef cattle.