Effect of Tethered and Free-Stall Housing Systems on the Fattening Performance of Holstein Friesian Bulls at Two Different Ages

Abstract

Turgut, L., Yanar, M., Tüzemen, N., Yüksel, S. and Yaganoglu, A.V. 2002. Effect of tethered and free-stall housing systems on the fattening performance of Holstein Friesian bulls at two different ages. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 22: 91–95.

Fattening performance and feed efficiency ratio characteristics of young Holstein Friesian bulls housed in free-stall or tie-stall barn at two different age groups i.e. 9–12 months and 14–17 months of age were investigated. A total of 19 Holstein bulls were fattened for 142 days. Adjusted average final weights of the young bulls kept in free-stall and stall bam were 395.50 and 404.95 kg, respectively. Average total weight gain of the bulls in loose housing system was 4.7 kg, higher than those in tethered barn. The feed efficiency ratio values for free-stall system was better than tethered barns. The free-stall housing system might be successfully used without causing detrimental effect on the fattening performance of Holstein cattle.

Key words:

• Bulls
• housing
• tethered
• free stall
• performance