Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Article Title

Effects of Limit Feeding and Shade Allocation on Growing Calf Performance, Water Usage, and Animal Comfort

Authors

Z. L. DeBord, Kansas State UniversityFollow
Z. M. Duncan, Kansas State UniversityFollow
M. G. Pflughoeft, Kansas State UniversityFollow
K. J. Suhr, Kansas State UniversityFollow
W. C. Ellis, Kansas State UniversityFollow
W. R. Hollenbeck, Kansas State UniversityFollow
S. P. Montgomery, Kansas State UniversityFollow
T. J. Spore, Kansas State UniversityFollow
E. C. Titgemeyer, Kansas State UniversityFollow
D. A. Blasi, Kansas State UniversityFollow
A. J. Tarpoff, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

growing cattle, heat stress, limit feeding, shade

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of limit feeding in conjunction with shade allotment on animal performance, animal comfort, and water usage during periods of heat stress.

Study Description: During the summers of 2021 and 2022, 852 heifers were assigned to one of four treatments: limit-fed high-energy ration or high-roughage ration fed for ad libitum intake with or without access to shade. Growth performance and water usage were measured during a 90-day growing period. Calves were fed a gut equilibration diet for 7 days to account for gut fill.

The Bottom Line: Limit feeding a high-energy ration at 2.2% of body weight daily on a dry matter basis in combination with shade can improve animal efficiency, reduce water consumption, and improve animal comfort during periods of heat stress.

Recommended Citation

DeBord, Z. L.; Duncan, Z. M.; Pflughoeft, M. G.; Suhr, K. J.; Ellis, W. C.; Hollenbeck, W. R.; Montgomery, S. P.; Spore, T. J.; Titgemeyer, E. C.; Blasi, D. A.; and Tarpoff, A. J. (2023) "Effects of Limit Feeding and Shade Allocation on Growing Calf Performance, Water Usage, and Animal Comfort," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 9: Iss. 1. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.8413