Comparison between single and multiple daily distributions of the diet on growth performance, behaviour, and rumen health of fattening Limousin bulls

The study compared the effects of single vs. multiple daily distributions of the fattening diet on Limousin bulls' growth performance, behaviour, and rumen health. The experimental period spanned 27 months, during which 37 batches of Limousin bulls progressively entered the study to complete their fattening. Each batch was split into two balanced groups of animals that were then transferred to two identical fattening barns. Bulls in one barn were conventionally fed a total mixed ration (TMR) with a single daily distribution (CFS). An automatic feeding system (AFS), operating in the second barn, self-prepared a similar TMR delivered more times a day according to bulls’ voluntary intake. A total of 701 bulls were fattened with CFS, and 739 bulls with AFS, for an average number of 129 vs. 130 days (P = 0.81), respectively. The average number of TMR daily discharges by AFS was 4.2 ± 1.6. Behavioural observations confirmed that bulls adapted their feeding and resting activities in response to the time of TMR administration. The fresh-made ration provided at each delivery by AFS increased bulls' dry matter intake compared to CFS bulls (8.50 vs. 7.95 kg/d; P = 0.001). Bulls of both feeding systems had a similar daily gain (1.55 vs. 1.58 kg; P = 0.23) and carcass weight. However, from an animal health and welfare perspective, the fewer medical treatments and the lower incidence of rumen mucosa disorders observed with AFS compared to CFS should encourage the introduction of automated solutions to increase the frequency of daily feed distributions.