Exercise yards and feedlots and their impact on the environment
2002
Puumala, M.(MTT Agrifood Research Finland, Vihti (Finland). Agricultural Engineering Research) | Uusi-Kaemppae, J. | Nykaenen, A. | Heinonen-Tanski, H.
Requirements concerning the welfare of production animals and the low profitability of beef cattle breeding have brought exercise yards and feedlots to Finnish farms. Depending on the use of the yard, there are different aspects that have to be taken into consideration. The structure of the yard, the surface material and the space allowance are important from the point of view of both animal welfare and environmental impact. Two exercise yards have been designed, constructed and monitored, together with two feedlot areas. Samples of runoff water, gravity water, subsoil and topsoil have been taken. Their nutrient concentrations and hygienic quality have been analysed. The behaviour of animals has been observed.
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