Effect of Altered Feeding and Sprinkling on Performance and Body Temperature of Steers Finished in the Summer

Authors

Shane Davis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Terry L. Mader, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2002

Comments

Published in 2002 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report. Copyright © 2001 The Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska.

Abstract

Effects of feeding time (800 vs 1400) and sprinkling on feedlot performance, body temperature, and mound microclimate were examined to determine their usefulness in reducing heat stress of feedlot steers. Feed conversion was improved overall for steers with access to sprinklers. Body temperature, early in the finishing period, was reduced by both sprinkling and afternoon feeding relative to steers fed at 800 h without access to sprinklers . Overall water intake was greater for steers fed at 800 without sprinkling than any other treatment.