Influence of Exercise Enrichment on Feedlot Cattle Behaviour and the Human–Animal Relationship

Abstract

Finding practicable and cost-effective enrichment for cattle in feedlots is challenging. While enrichment should not negatively impact productivity, it could assist in improving feedlot sustainability, by addressing societal concern that cattle have restricted, unnatural lives. In a feedlot 250km northeast of Perth, 287 mixedbreed B. taurus cattle were provided with two different exercise treatments (1 = exercised in-pen, 2 = exercised in laneway) and a control pen. Cattle were exercised using low-stress stock handling 2-3 times/week for approximately 20min between days 40-80 of a 120-day feeding program. Body weights, crush temperament and crush exit speeds were collected on days 40 and 80, while behavioural testing was conducted on days 41, 60 and 79 in home pens. Body weight was found to significantly increase for all pens, however, weight gains between treatments did not significantly differ (p < 0.05). However, a smaller and higher range of weight gains were found for exercised pens. The control pen had two animals lose weight, suggesting that while enrichment did not negatively impact productivity, there was a possible positive influence. Cattle exercised in the laneway were found to be less responsive and recovered quickly post exposure to a novel human. Cattle exercised in-pen were less reactive during avoidance, and novel person tests, showing an improved human-animal relationship. This pilot study showed that exercise impacted cattle behaviour and the human-animal relationship, which could assist feedlot sustainability.