Radio frequency technology to measure feeding behavior and health of feedlot steers

Radio frequency (RF) technology was used to collect information on the feeding patterns of 108 steers (average weight 139 kg) for 32 days after entering the feedlot. Each animal was equipped with an RF tag, and its presence at the feedbunk was recorded continuously throughout the entire period. Average time at the feedbunk was compared between healthy (n = 53) and morbid (n = 55) steers. Morbid steers included all animals which were removed from the pen and medicated for any reason. Healthy steers spent 30% more time (P < 0.001) at the feedbunk than morbid steers. These differences were most pronounced during the first four days. Patterns of feedbunk visits associated with feed delivery times were similar between healthy and morbid steers, except the average percentage of healthy steers present was 13 percentage units greater (P < 0.01) than for morbid steers. This technology has the potential to identify sick animals and improve feedlot health management practices. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.