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Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 62 No. 7 1104-1107
© 1979 by American Dairy Science Association ®
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Feed Intake, Weight Gain, and Behavioral Activity of Heifers on an Electronic or a Tie-Up Feeding System1

C. W. Arave and M. J. Anderson

Department of Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences, Utah State University, Logan 84322
Science and Education Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Logan, UT 84322

ABSTRACT

Feed intakes, weight changes, and behavioral activity of heifers on either an electronically controlled or tie-stall feeding system were compared in two trials with 16 heifers in each trial. Eight heifers per trial were fed individually by one of the two systems. Trial 1 was for 6 wk; trial 2 for 18 wk. Behavioral activity was observed directly and by closed circuit television.

Daily intakes of feed were not different for heifers on electronic doors from those on tie-stall feeding during trial 1. During trial 2 heifers on a switchback experiment consumed more feeding with electronic doors than on tie-stall feeding (10.8 versus 9.9 kg daily). A large interaction of group by treatment indicated higher intake by some heifers on tie-stall feeding.

Average daily gain was not measured during trial 1 but was .49 kg for heifers on electronic feeding and .67 in tie stalls during trial 2. The correlation between average daily gain and feed consumption was –.18.

Heifers fed electronically spent more time feeding and standing but less time lying down than heifers on tie-stall feeding during trial 1. Television surveillance of heifers on electronic control during trial 2 revealed considerable individuality in feeding habits. Heifers ate alone 47% of the observed feeding time. Feeding with electronic doors can be a useful innovation with monitoring and repair.

FOOTNOTES

1 Journal Article No. 2351, Utah Agricultural Experiment Station.






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Copyright © 1979 by the American Dairy Science Association ®.