#735
Proceedings, Western Section, American Society of Animal Science
Vol. 63, 2012
EFFECTS OF ACCLIMATION TO HUMAN HANDLING ON TEMPERAMENT, PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES,
AND PERFORMANCE OF BEEF STEERS DURING FEEDLOT RECEIVING
C. L. Francisco1,2, R. F. Cooke1, R. S. Marques1, F. N. T. Cooke1, D. W. Bohnert1
¹Oregon State University - Eastern Oregon Agricultural Research Center, Burns; and
2
UNESP – Universidade EstadualPaulista, FMVZ/DPA, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
ABSTRACT: The objective was to compare temperament,
plasma concentrations of cortisol and acute-phase proteins,
and performance during feedlot receiving of Angus ×
Hereford steers acclimated or not to human handling. Sixty
steers were initially evaluated, within 30 d after weaning,
for BW and temperament score (average chute score and
exit velocity score; d -30). On d -28, steers were ranked
BW and temperament score, and randomly assigned to
receive or not (control) the acclimation treatment. During
the acclimation phase (d -28 to 0), steers were maintained
in 2 pastures according to treatment, and acclimated steers
were exposed to a handling process twice weekly (Tuesdays
and Thursdays). The acclimation treatment was applied
individually to steers by processing them through a handling
facility, whereas control steers remained undisturbed on
pasture. On d 0, all steers were loaded into a commercial
livestock trailer, transported for 24 h, and returned to the
research facility (d 1). Upon arrival, steers were ranked
by BW within treatment, and randomly assigned to 20
feedlot pens. Total DMI was evaluated daily from d 1 to d
28, and shrunk BW was collected on d -31, 1, and 29 for
ADG calculation. Blood samples were collected on d -28,
0 (prior to loading), 1 (immediately upon arrival), 4, 7, 10,
14, 21, and 28 for determination of cortisol, ceruloplasmin,
and haptoglobin. Steer temperament was assessed again on
d 0. During the acclimation phase (d -28 to 0), no treatment
effects were detected (P = 0.14) on steer ADG. Acclimated
steers had reduced chute score compared with control on d 0
(P = 0.01). During feedlot receiving (d 1 to 28), acclimated
steers had reduced ADG (P < 0.01), DMI (P = 0.07), and
G:F (P = 0.03) compared with control. Acclimated steers had
greater plasma cortisol on d 1 (P = 0.06), greater haptoglobin
on d 4 (P = 0.04), and greater ceruloplasmin from d 0 to 10 (P
≤ 0.04) compared with control. In conclusion, steers exposed
to the acclimation process had greater stress-induced cortisol
and acute-phase protein responses, resulting in decreased
performance during feedlot receiving.
welfare, temperament has significant implications on
beef cattle performance. Our research group was the first
to report that beef cows with aggressive temperament have
impaired reproductive performance compared with cows
with adequate temperament (Cooke et al., 2009a, 2012).
In addition, our group recently reported that aggressive beef
calves are lighter and consequently less valuable if sold
at weaning, and also have decreased growth rates during
the feedlot, resulting in reduced carcass marbling, carcass
weight, and final carcass value if marketed upon slaughter
(Cooke et al., 2011). Therefore, cattle temperament should be
used as a management decision criterion to enhance overall
productivity and safety of beef operations.
Temperament of feeder calves can be improved by two
main strategies. The first is to select the cowherd for calm
temperament, which should also benefit the calf crop given
that temperament is a heritable trait (Fordyce et al., 1988).
Second, recent studies from our group demonstrated that
acclimation of young cattle to human handling improved
their temperament and enhanced their productivity (Cooke
et al., 2009b, 2012). However, this method was only tested
with replacement heifers by evaluating their reproductive
development. Based on this information, we hypothesized
that acclimation to human interaction after weaning will
also improve temperament and feedlot productivity of feeder
steers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare
temperament, plasma concentrations of cortisol and acutephase proteins, and performance during feedlot receiving of
steers acclimated or not to human interaction after weaning.
Materials and Methods
The study was conducted at the Eastern Oregon
Agricultural Research Center, Burns. Animals utilized were
cared for according to an approved Oregon State University
Animal Care and Use protocol.
Sixty Angus x Hereford steers were initially evaluated,
within 30 d after weaning, for BW and temperament
score (average chute score and exit velocity score). Chute
score was assessed based on a 5- point scale according to the
method described by Arthington et al. (2008). Exit velocity
was assessed by determining the speed of the steer exiting
the squeeze chute by measuring rate of travel over a 1.8-m
distance with an infrared sensor (FarmTek Inc., North Wylie,
TX). Further, steers were divided in quintiles and assigned an
exit velocity score on a 5-point scale (1 = slowest quintile;
5 = cows within the fastest quintile). On d -28, steers were
Introduction
Temperament is defined as the behavioral responses
of cattle when exposed to human handling (Burrow, 1997;
Burrow and Corbert, 2000; Curley et al., 2006). Animals
with aggressive temperament display nervous or agitated
responses during human contact or any other handling
procedures. Besides personnel security and animal
134
ranked BW and temperament score and randomly assigned
tendencies were determined if P > 0.05 and P ≤ 0.10. Results
to receive or not (control) the acclimation treatment. Steers
are reported according to treatment effects if no interactions
were maintained on separate meadow foxtail (Alopecurus
were significant, or according to the highest-order interaction
pratensis L.) pastures (30 steers/pasture) according to
detected.
treatment, and received supplemental alfalfa hay 3 times
weekly to sustain a growth rate of approximately 0.5 kg/d.
Results and Discussion
The acclimation treatment was applied individually to steers
During the acclimation phase (d -28 to 0), no treatment
by processing them through a handling facility, twice week
effects were detected (P = 0.14) on steer ADG (Table 1). On
(Tuesdays and Thursdays) for 4 wk, while control steers
d 0, acclimated steers had reduced (P = 0.01) chute score,
remained undisturbed on pasture. In addition, during feeding
and tended (P = 0.08) to have reduced temperament score
procedures, the technician walked among steers assigned to
compared with control cohorts (Table 1). However, during
the acclimation treatment for 15 min to further expose them
feedlot receiving (d 1 to d 28), acclimated steers tended (P
to human interaction, whereas the same procedure was not
= 0.07) to have reduced DMI, and had reduced (P ≤ 0.03)
applied
to control
steers. foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis L.)
ADG and G:F compared
with
control cohorts (Table 1).
on separate
meadow
Results and
Discussion
On d (30
0, all
steers were according
loaded into
a commercial
pastures
steers/pasture)
to treatment,
and
!
Similarly
to our previous work (Cooke et al., 2009b, 2012),
livestock
transported
h for weekly
a total to
ofsustain
1,200
During
the acclimation
phase (d -28oftogrowing
0), no
received trailer,
supplemental
alfalfafor
hay243 times
acclimation
to handling
improved temperament
km,
and
returned
to
the
research
facility
on
1.
Upon
arrival,
treatment
effects steers
were detected
= 0.14)
on steer
ADG
a growth rate of approximately 0.5 kg/d. The acclimation
cattle.
However,
exposed (P
to the
acclimation
process
steers
were was
ranked
by BW
within treatment,
randomly
reduced compared
(P = 0.01)
(Table 1). On
d 0, acclimated
steers had
treatment
applied
individually
to steers and
by processing
experienced
reduced
feedlot receiving
performance
chute control
score, and
tended
= 0.08) to outcome
have reduced
them through
a handling
twice week (Tuesdays
and
assigned
to 20 feedlot
pensfacility,
(10 pens/treatment;
3 steers/pen).
with
cohorts.
This(P performance
was
temperament
score
compared
with
control
cohorts
(Table 1).
Thursdays)
for 2.5
4 wk,
while
control
steers remained
All
pens received
kg/steer
daily
of a concentrate
(86%
unexpected given that a similar acclimation process enhanced
However, during feedlot receiving (d 1 to d 28), acclimated
undisturbed
on pasture.
In addition,
feeding
corn;
14% soybean
meal), whereas
meadow during
foxtail hay
was
reproductive and overall performance of replacement heifers
steers tended (P = 0.07) to have reduced DMI, and had
procedures,
the technician
walked
amongaccess.
steers assigned
to
offered
in amounts
to ensure
ad libitum
Total DMI
(Cooke
et al., 2009b, 2012).
reduced (P # 0.03) ADG and G:F compared with control
the evaluated
acclimation
treatment
15dmin
further
expose
was
daily
from dfor
1 to
28, toand
shrunk
BWthem
was
No
treatment
effects were
detected
> 0.24;
dataetnot
cohorts (Table
1). Similarly
to our
previous(Pwork
(Cooke
al.,
to humanoninteraction,
wasTotal
not
collected
d -31, 1, whereas
and 29 the
for same
ADG procedure
calculation.
shown)
for
RT
(38.84
vs.
39.03ºC
for
ACC
and
CON
steers,
2009b, 2012), acclimation to handling improved temperament
applied to control steers.
DMI and BW gain from d 1 to 28 were used to calculate
respectively;
= 0.07).
Treatment
x day interactions
of growing SEM
cattle.
However,
steers
exposed towere
the
On d 0, all steers were loaded into a commercial
feedlot
receiving
G:F.
detected
for
cortisol,
haptoglobin,
and
ceruloplasmin
(P ≤
acclimation process experienced reduced feedlot receiving
livestock trailer, transported for 24 h for a total of 1,200
samplesto were
collected
on don-28,
0 (prior
to
0.05).
Acclimated
steerswith
hadcontrol
greatercohorts.
plasmaThis
cortisol
on d 1
performance
compared
performance
km,Blood
and returned
the research
facility
1. Upon
arrival,
loading),
1
(immediately
upon
arrival),
4,
7,
10,
14,
21,
and
(P
= 0.05),was
greater
haptoglobin
on that
d 4 (Pa =similar
0.04), and
greater
outcome
unexpected
given
acclimation
steers were ranked by BW within treatment, and randomly
28assigned
via jugular
commercial blood
collection
process enhanced
performance
to 20venipuncture
feedlot pens into
(10 pens/treatment;
3 steers/pen).
ceruloplasmin
fromreproductive
d 0 to 10 (P ≤ and
0.04)overall
compared
with controlof
tubes
containing
sodium
heparin
(Vacutainer,
10
mL;
(86%
replacement heifers (Cooke et al., 2009b, Cooke et al., 2012).
All pens received 2.5 kg/steer daily of a concentrateBecton
Dickinson,
Steermeadow
rectal temperature
corn; 14%Franklin
soybeanLakes,
meal),NJ).
whereas
foxtail hay(RT)
was
!
was
measured
by digital
thermometer
M750
Table 1. Temperament and feedlot receiving performance of beef
offered
in amounts
to ensure
ad libitum(GLA
access.
Totaldigital
DMI
steers exposed (ACC) or not (CON) to handling acclimation
thermometer;
GLA
Agricultural
Electronics,
LuisBW
Obispo,
was evaluated
daily
from d 1 to
d 28, and San
shrunk
was
procedures1
CA)
concurrently
blood
All blood samples
collected
on d with
-31, each
1, and
29 collection.
for ADG calculation.
Total
were
plasma
−80°C
assayed
DMIharvested
and BW for
gain
from and
d 1 stored
to 28 at
were
useduntil
to calculate
Item
ACC CON SEM
P=
!
for
concentrations
of
cortisol
(Endocrine
Technologies
Inc.,
feedlot receiving G:F.
2
Temperament variables
Newark, CA),
haptoglobin
(Cooke
and Arthington,
Blood
samples were
collected
on d -28, 02012)
(priorand
to
!
ceruloplasmin
(Demetriouupon
et al.,arrival),
1974). 4, 7, 10, 14, 21, and
loading), 1 (immediately
Chute score
1.63
2.07
0.12
0.01
!
were analyzed
using
thecommercial
PROC MIXED
28 Data
via jugular
venipuncture
into
blood procedure
collection
Exit velocity, m/s
1.97
2.28
0.16
0.18
(SAS
Inc., Cary,
NC)
and Satterthwaite
approximation
tubesInst.
containing
sodium
heparin
(Vacutainer, 10
mL; Becton
!
Lakes, NJ).df Steer
rectal
temperature
toDickinson,
determineFranklin
the denominator
for the
tests
of fixed
Temperament score
2.21
2.63
0.16
0.08
(RT) was
by digital
thermometer
(GLA M750
!
effects.
The measured
model statement
used
for ADG contained
the
GLA
Agricultural
Electronics,
San Luis
digitalofthermometer;
Performance variables
effects
treatment. Data
were
analyzed using
steer(treatment
!
Obispo,
CA)
concurrently
with
each
blood
collection.
All
× pen) as random variable. The model statement used for
Total DMI, kg/d
7.09
7.40
0.11
0.07
blood samples were harvested for plasma and stored at !80°C
!
DMI
and G:F contained the effects of treatment, as well as
until assayed for concentrations of cortisol (Endocrine
Acclimation ADG, 3 kg/d
0.27
0.38
0.06
0.14
day
and the resultant interaction for DMI only. Data were
!
Technologies Inc., Newark, CA), haptoglobin (Cooke and
4
Receiving ADG, kg/d
1.13
1.32
0.05
< 0.01
analyzed
using2012)
pen(treatment)
as the random
variable.
Arthington,
and ceruloplasmin
(Demetriou
et The
al.,
!
model
statement
used
for
temperament
and
physiological
5
1974).
G:F, kg/kg
166
185
6
0.03
measurements
the effects
of treatment,
day,
Data contained
were analyzed
using the
PROC MIXED
1
Acclimated steers were exposed to a handling process twice
and
the resultant
interactions.
DataNC)
wereand
analyzed
using
procedure
(SAS Inst.,
Inc., Cary,
Satterthwaite
week for 4 wk (d -28 to 0), which was applied individually to
steer(treatment
pen)
as the random
variable. Thedfspecified
approximation× to
determine
the denominator
for the
steers by processing them through a handling facility. Control
tests for
of fixed
effects.
The model
used for ADG
term
repeated
statements
was statement
day, pen(treatment)
or
steers remained undisturbed on pasture.
2
contained the effects
Data
wereoranalyzed
using
Obtained on d 0. Chute score (1 to 5 scale), exit velocity, and
steer(treatment
× pen)ofastreatment.
subject for
DMI
temperament
temperament score were calculated according to the techniques
steer(treatment
pen) as respectively,
random variable.
model
and
physiological"variables,
and the The
covariance
described by Cooke et al. (2011).
statementutilized
used forwas
DMI
and G:F
contained
effects of
structure
based
on the
Akaiketheinformation
3
Calculated using shrunk values obtained on d -31 and d 1.
treatment,
as
well
as
day
and
the
resultant
interaction
for
4
criterion. Results are reported as least square means and were
Calculated using shrunk values obtained on d 1 and d 29.
DMI only.
DataLSD.
wereSignificance
analyzed using
as and
the
5
separated
using
waspen(treatment)
set at P ≤ 0.05
Calculating using total DMI and BW gain from d 1 to d 29.
random variable. The model statement used for temperament
!
and physiological measurements contained the effects of
No treatment effects were detected (P > 0.24; data
treatment, day, and the resultant interactions. Data were
not
shown)
for RT (38.84 vs. 39.03ºC for ACC and CON
analyzed using steer(treatment " pen) as the random 135
steers, respectively; SEM = 0.07). Treatment x day
variable. The specified term for repeated statements was
interactions were detected for cortisol, haptoglobin, and
day, pen(treatment) or steer(treatment " pen) as subject for
ceruloplasmin (P # 0.05). Acclimated steers had greater
DMI or temperament and physiological variables,
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Cortisol,
Cortisol,
ng/mL ng/mL
!
!
35
25
30
20
25
15
20
15
Haptoglobin,
Haptoglobin,
ng/mL ng/mL
800
700
800
600
Ceruloplasmin,
Ceruloplasmin,
mg/dL mg/dL
!
0
1
4
7
10
14 21
Day relative to transport
28
0
1
4
7
10
14 21
Day relative to transport
28
(B)
(B)
Implications
Acclimation of feeder steers to human handling after
.
weaning improved cattle temperament but increased the
neuroendocrine stress and acute-phase responses following
.
transport
and feedlot entry, resulting in decreased performance
during feedlot receiving.
!
*
Acclimated
Control
!
Acclimated
*
700
500
Control
600
400
Literature Cited
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and J. D. Arthington. 2010. Effects of rumen-protected
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500
300
400
200
300
100
2000
100
0
31
!
after weaning improved cattle temperament but increased
!
the
neuroendocrine stress and acute-phase responses
feederentry,
steersresulting
to human
handling
followingAcclimation
transport andoffeedlot
in decreased
after
weaning
improved
cattle
temperament
but
increased
performance during feedlot receiving.
the neuroendocrine stress and acute-phase responses
steers
(Figure
1). Contrary
to these
following
transport
and feedlot
entry,outcomes,
resulting replacement
in decreased
!
heifers
assigned
to
a
similar
acclimation
performance during feedlot receiving. process had reduced
cortisol (Cooke et al., 2009b) and haptoglobin (Cooke et al.,
2012).
The exact reasons for the different outcomes to the
!!
acclimation process reported herein and by our previous work
are unknown and deserve further investigation. Nevertheless,
!
steers
assigned to the acclimation process had a more severe
neuroendocrine stress and acute-phase protein response
upon transportation and feedlot entry compared with control
cohorts, which likely contributed to their reduced DMI, G:F,
and ADG during feedlot receiving (Arthington et al., 2003;
Qiu et al., 2007; Araujo et al., 2010).
and feedlot entry compared with control cohorts, which
to the acclimation
a moreDMI,
severeG:F,
neuroendocrine
likely
contributed process
to theirhad
reduced
and ADG
stress
and
acute-phase
protein
response
upon
transportation
during feedlot receiving (Arthington et al., 2003;
Qiu et al.,
and feedlot
with control cohorts, which
2007;
Araujo entry
et al., compared
2010).
likely contributed to their reduced DMI, G:F, and ADG
during feedlot receiving (Arthington et al., 2003;
Qiu et al.,
!
2007;45
Araujo(A)
et al., 2010).
Acclimated
*
40
Control
!
(A)
45
Acclimated
35
*
40
Control
30
29
0
1
0(C) 1
29
25
(C) *
*
23
27
21
25
*
27
31
*
19
23
17
21
15
19
17
15
0
1
0
1
4
7
10 14
21 28
Day relative to transport
*
4
7*
10
14
21 28
!
Day*relative to transport
*
*
!
!
*!
!
!
!
!
Acclimated
!
Control
!
Acclimated
4
7
10
14 21
28
Control
Day relative to transport
4
7
10
14
21
28
Figure 1. Plasma concentrations of cortisol (Panel A), haptoglobin
Day (Panel
relative
transport
(Panel B), and ceruloplasmin
C) to
during
feedlot receiving (d
1 to d 28) of beef steers exposed (acclimated) or not (control) to
Figure
1. acclimation
Plasma concentrations
haptoglobin
handling
proceduresof(dcortisol
-28 to (Panel
0) andA),
transported
for
Figure
concentrations
of cortisol
(Panel(PA),
(Panel
ceruloplasmin
(Panel
during
feedlot
receiving
(d"
24
h (dB),
0 1.
toand
dPlasma
1).
A treatment
! day C)
interaction
was detected
haptoglobin
(Panel
B),
and ceruloplasmin
(Panel
C) *during
10.05)
to dfor
28)allofvariables.
beef steers
exposed
(acclimated)
or
not day;
(control)
Treatment
comparison within
P to
<
feedlot receiving
1 to d (d28)
beef
exposed
handling
acclimation (d
procedures
-28 of
to 0)
andsteers
transported
for
0.05.
24
h (d 0 to d 1).orA treatment
! day interaction
was detected
(P "
(acclimated)
not (control)
to handling
acclimation
0.05)
for all (d
variables.
Treatment
comparison
day;
*d
P 1).
<
procedures
-28 to 0)
and transported
forwithin
24 h (d
0 to
0.05.
A treatment × day interaction was detected (P ≤ 0.05) for all
variables. Treatment comparison within day; * P < 0.05.
136
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137