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Concrete Slatted Floors vs. Bedding for Fattening Israeli-Friesian Bull Calves¹

Volcani Institute of Agricultural Research, Bet Dagan, Israel

Abstract

The shortage of bedding material has become very severe in recent years and is growing worse. A description of the state of animals during the rainy season under such conditions is unnecessary. Concrete slatted floors are considered to be the best solution to this problem and are very common throughout Israel, particularly on small family farms.

Bull-calves housed in buildings with such floors are clean, the wastage of feed is prevented and labor is saved. Manure in liquid form is disposed of by pumping into tanks. Cattle fed in slatted-floor buildings are discriminated against by cattle buyers and butchers for excessive fatness.

No reference has been found in the literature to this phenomenon. If this is valid, it means that confinement to a small area reduces energy expenditures and these calories are deposited as fat. Hence, it might be possible to prevent this excessive fattening by restricting the diet, thus saving feed, and reducing the cost of meat.

¹ Series No. 1352-E.