Journal of Animal Science, Vol 75, Issue 4 892-896, Copyright © 1997 by American Society of Animal Science

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Feedlot cattle with calm temperaments have higher average daily gains than cattle with excitable temperaments

B. D. Voisinet, T. Grandin, J. D. Tatum, S. F. O'Connor and J. J. Struthers
Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523-1171, USA.

This study was conducted to assess the effect of temperament on the average daily gains of feedlot cattle. Cattle (292 steers and 144 heifers) were transported to Colorado feedlot facilities. Breeds studied included Braford (n = 177), Simmental x Red Angus (n = 92), Red Brangus (n = 70), Simbrah (n = 65), Angus (n = 18), and Tarentaise x Angus (n = 14). Cattle were temperament rated on a numerical scale (chute score) during routine weighing and processing. Data were separated into two groups based on breed, Brahman cross (> or = 25% Brahman) and nonBrahman breeding. Animals that had Brahman breeding had a higher mean temperament rating (3.45 +/- .09) or were more excitable than animals that had no Brahman influence (1.80 +/- .10); (P < .001). These data also show that heifers have a higher mean temperament rating than steers (P < .05). Temperament scores evaluated for each breed group also showed that increased temperament score resulted in decreased average daily gains (P < .05). These data show that cattle that were quieter and calmer during handling had greater average daily gains than cattle that became agitated during routine handling.

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