An investigation into the interaction of bedding application rates and air flows on positional behaviour of beef cattle

Abstract

Lying behaviour in cattle can be used as a sign that an animal is either in a state of rest or sleep and has been used as an indicator of housing qualities when cattle are transported on long-haul live export voyages (MLA 2009). The provision of bedding on livestock vessels is utilised to support the animal to stand, walk and lie easily and comfortably (MLA 2009). Bedding is also used as an absorption agent for animal manure, and with adequate ventilation, the resulting airflow will lift excess liquid and moisture from the pad and keep the bedding dry (MLA 2016). According to the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock Version 3.0 (2020) cattle and buffalo exported on voyages of ten days or more must be provided with sawdust, rice hulls or similar material to be used exclusively for bedding at a rate of at least seven tonnes or 25m³ for every 1000 m² of cattle pen space. However, this regulation does not apply to cattle and buffalo loaded from Brisbane or from ports north of latitude 26^o south and exported to Southeast Asia.