Page 245 - The Welfare of Cattle

222 the WeLfare of CattLe

(Stackhouse-Lawson et al., 2015); and tachypnea with an abdominal breathing, lameness, and reluc-
tance to move, as well as greater serum lactate and creatine kinase concentrations (indicators of
muscle damage and dehydration, respectively) (Thomson et al., 2015) compared to those not fed
β-agonist. Thomson et al. (2015) concluded that the clinical signs and serum biochemical abnor-
malities observed in affected cattle were similar to those observed in pigs diagnosed with fatigued
pig syndrome, and suggested that the term fatigued cattle syndrome be used to describe cattle with
the same clinical symptoms. Thomson et al. (2015) further concluded that this syndrome is likely
the result of a combination of risk factors including; use of β-agonist and dosage, genetics, high
ambient temperatures, being recently handled and transported, and being at or close to finishing
weight. Feedlot managers need to be aware of the negative welfare consequences of this combina-
tion of factors and manage cattle accordingly and more research is needed to better understand the
relationships between these factors.

WeLFare ISSUeS COMMON tO the BaCKGrOUNDING
aND FINIShING FeeDLOt

The welfare issues described in the next section are those issues common to both backgrounding
and finishing cattle. These issues are largely related to environmental factors since the housing and
facilities are the same for both types of cattle. Likewise, the prominent welfare issue of timely and
properly conducted euthanasia is relevant to all cattle regardless of the sector or phase of production.

environment

The environmental factors that cause the greatest welfare concern in feedlot cattle include
excessive cold, heat, or mud. At this time there is no agreed upon definition of what constitutes
excessive from a welfare point of view for any of the three listed factors. By definition welfare is
affected when these conditions impact an animal’s ability to cope (i.e., inability to maintain constant
body temperature). As with most factors that can negatively affect cattle welfare, the combination
of degree and duration of exposure needs to be taken into consideration. The majority of studies
published on the impacts of environmental factors on beef cattle were designed to assess production
rather than welfare so discussion is limited in some instances.
Outdoor feedlots exist in both cold and hot regions within North America which means at some
point the cattle housed within them will be exposed to extreme ambient conditions. In Canada and
the northern US, cold conditions are the main focus as summer temperatures (and humidity) are not
typically high enough or last long enough to cause a welfare concern. The biggest concern in cold
climates is the high windchill effect which increases energy demands in cattle (Ames and Insley,
1975; Ames, 1988). This is why windbreak fencing is common, particularly in western Canada.
Indicators of cold stress in cattle include shivering (Gonyou et al., 1979) and loss of body weight
associated with increased energy required for thermoregulation and reduced energy availability
for growth and fat deposition (Ames, 1988). However, temperature-related weight loss is typically
not an issue in properly managed feedlots because feed deliveries are increased to compensate for
the extra energy demands during cold periods. Recommended strategies to reduce cold weather
effects on cattle include increasing feed deliveries, and the provision of ample amounts of clean dry
bedding.
Greater cattle welfare issues are associated with extreme heat rather than cold. Excessive heat
load can increase body temperature, respiration and panting (Brown-Brandl et al., 2003) as well as
shade-seeking behavior, standing (Widowski, 2001), and death (Nienaber and Hahn, 2007).
The most common and effective methods of reducing heat load and ultimately the chance of
heat-related death in feedlot cattle include the provision of either shade, water, or a combination of