Effects of Cattle Bed with Reducing Pollution on Behaviors and Surface Cleanliness of Tied-stall Fattening Beef Cattle

Purpose To evaluate the pollution reduction performance of the independently developed cattle bed with reducing pollution (CBRP-bed), improving the dryness of cattle bed and the comfort of lying behaviors.

Methods A total of 12 tied-stall fattening beef cattle with similar body condition and body weight were averagely and randomly assigned to concrete floor cattle bed (Ctrl-bed, control group) and CBRP-bed (experimental group); and then, the surface dryness and hygiene score of two types of cattle beds were tested, and the effects of the two types of cattle beds on the cleanliness of the cattle body and the behavior of lying down and rumination were evaluated.

Results The urine contamination area of CBRP-bed was less than that of the Ctrl-bed; the area of CBRP-bed covered with dry manure was significantly greater when cleaned micro-crack four times, comparing with two and three times (P<0.05). The body surface cleanliness score of the cattle on CBRP-bed was significantly lower than that on Ctrl-bed (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the standing behavior of the two groups of cattle (P>0.05), but the lying time of the cattle on CBRP-bed was increased compared to Ctrl-bed. The rumination time and frequency of the cattle group on CBRP-bed were significantly higher than those on Ctrl-bed. (P<0.05 or P<0.01).

Conclusion The dryness, sanitation, and body surface cleanliness of the cattle on CBRP-bed are better, and the lying and rumination time of the tied-stall beef cattle have been significantly improved.