234 Effects of Housing Cow-calf Pairs on Drylots vs Pasture on Calf Performance and Behavior During the Receiving Phase

Abstract The objectives were to analyze the effects of housing cow-calf pairs in drylots or pasture on calf performance and behavior through the receiving phase. Simmental × Angus (2 yr; 108/yr; 81 ± 15.3 d postpartum) spring-calving cows were stratified by age, BW, BCS, and calf sex and allotted to six groups/yr. Groups were randomly allotted to 1 of 2 treatments: drylot (DL) or pasture (PAST). After weaning, calves were shipped 262 km to a feedlot for a 42 d receiving period. All calves were fed a diet consisting of corn silage, wet distillers grains, corn, and grass hay during the receiving phase. Behavior was evaluated on d 1 and d 2 after arrival. Calf BW was measured on d 0, 21, and 42. Average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and feed efficiency were also determined. The data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. On day 1, there was a treatment by time interaction for lying (P = 0.04). At h 2, 4, and 11 more PAST calves were lying. There was a tendency (P = 0.08) for PAST calves to spend more time eating. More DL calves vocalized (P = 0.03). On day 2, there were treatment by time interactions (P ≤ 0.02) for lying and walking. More PAST calves were lying at h 1, 2, 8, 9, and 12. More DL calves were walking at h 2, 11, and 12. Pasture calves had greater (P < 0.01) ADG and G:F than DL calves. However, the DL calves had greater (P ≤ 0.02) BW at d 0, 21, and 42. In conclusion, calf behavior at receiving was influenced by preweaning housing. Additionally, pasture calves had improved receiving phase ADG and feed efficiency but were still lighter than drylot calves after 42 d receiving phase.