Behavioral response of feedlot cattle fallowing tail docking

Abstract

Tail injuries commonly occur in feedlot cattle that are housed in barns with slatted floors, facilities that are commonly found in the Great Lakes Region. These injuries put cattle at risk of developing secondary complications such as tail infections, ascending myelitis, and paresis. The practice of docking the tails of cattle upon entry into these feedlot facilities was initiated to prevent tail injuries. According to a recent survey, approximately two-thirds of Michigan feedlots dock the tails of cattle at entry. Tail docking raises potential welfare concerns because it is painful and removes an important method of fly avoidance. The purpose of this study was to describe the behavioral response of cattle following tail docking.