Feasibility of Adding Supplemental Solid Rubber Mats to a Confined Slatted Barn Cattle Feedlot System

Indoor housed cattle, particularly those housed in slatted floor barns, may develop specific types of lameness associated with their housing environment. Previous studies have demonstrated that cattle raised on slats that are fitted with rubber perform better than cattle that are on concrete slats alone; however, lameness continues to be a problem even with this modification. This project investigated the feasibility of adding additional commercially available solid mats to the rubber-coated slatted floor barn and observing animal behavior and outcomes in a group setting. The objective was to determine if creating an improved lying area through a relatively simple management change could positively impact the outcome of these animals. Commercial mats were simple to install and were used immediately and extensively by the cattle. However, the outcome provided mixed results. The additional mats provided challenges with cleanliness. Steer calves became dirty faster and more severely than heifers. Forty-three percent of the heifer calves and 19% of the steers were culled early. More work is needed to better understand and provide solutions for this welfare issue.