Impact of Housing Conditions on Beef Cattle Welfare

In our country the beef cattle rearing is considered to be a sustainable and future activity. The study carried out how shelter conditions can influence the beef cattle welfare raised in a semi-intensive system. The research was carried out in two types of shelters, constructively different (A and B) used for fattening calves (n: 140). In assessing housing conditions, health status and animal behaviour, there were different values between the two lots, the animals welfare being affected. The percentage of dirty animals was high in B lot (18.3%) compared to A lot (8.7%), and the animal rest behaviour were higher in B lot (70%) than A lot (63.7%). The assessed health status was better in lot B than lot A. The use of a suitable bedding material and flooring for beef cattle can make a difference in welfare, health and productivity performance. Housing conditions that may affect animal welfare must be known by all breeders, being important from the point of view of investments and acquired production. Key words: animal welfare, beef cattle, housing conditions