Effect of the manger space on welfare and meat quality of beef cattle

Forty-eight Simmental young bulls (initial body weight = 321.2 +/- 34.1 kg) were assigned to eight balanced groups reared in separate pens with a space allowance of 3 m(2) per head. Two different manger spaces (60 vs. 80 cm per head) were tested in factorial arrangement with the type of floor of the pen (slatted vs. straw bedded). All the animals received the same diet provided ad libitum. No significant interaction was found between the two main factors considered in the study. Manger space did not affect bulls' daily gain, feed intake and feed efficiency. Health status of the animals was satisfactory and the neutrophil/ lympocite ratio, blood indicator of chronic stress, was not modified by the different manger space. Behavioural observations showed no differences due to manger space. Regardless of the manger space, the ad libitum feeding promoted a high turnover of the bulls in the feeding area limiting the number of animals eating at same time. Bulls were slaughtered at 614.6 +/- 14.7 kg and carcass traits and meat quality were not affected by manger space. Regardless of the type of floor, a space at the manger of 60 cm per head should be sufficient for beef cattle fed ad libitum under intensive rearing system. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.