Effects of cattle hide color and changing environmental conditions at northern latitudes on feeder cattle performance and behavior

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of hide color on beef steer intake behavior and performance metrics under varying environmental conditions. Conducted at the Northern Agricultural Research Center near Havre, Montana, the two studies were conducted in consecutive years: 2023 (Study 1) and 2024 (Study 2). Angus-based yearling steers of Red, White, and Black hide color were placed into the feedlot from February to July (140 days) to measure the influence of climatic conditions on feeder cattle behavior and performance. In both studies, steers were assigned to one of four treatment groups: Red hided, Red Angus steers (REDANG), Black hided, Angus steers (BLKANG), White hided steers (Charolais sires bred to Angus cows; CHARANG), and Black hided steers (Simmental sires bred to Angus cows; SIMANG). Steers were fitted with electronic ear tags and monitored using Vytelle electronic feed bunks to measure feed intake and behavior on a finishing feedlot diet. Cattle surface temperature was measured weekly, on the same day of the week at two consistent times of day for a duration of 20 weeks. Results indicated a treatment by period interaction for average daily intake (ADI) for both studies (P<0.01). In Study 1, REDANG steers had higher ADI than SIMANG in several periods (Period 3: P<0.01; Period 4: P=0.04; Period 5: P < or = 0.03). In Study 2, BLKANG steers showed greater ADI than other treatments in multiple periods (Period 1: P<0.01; Period 3: P < or = 0.03; Period 4: P < or = 0.02). Additionally, hide color influenced surface temperature, with CHARANG steers consistently cooler than other treatments (P<0.01) and BLKANG, SIMANG, and REDANG steers averaging 2.85 °C greater than CHARANG steers in Study 1. In Study 2, BLKANG and SIMANG had higher surface temperatures (P < or = 0.02) than other treatments. Despite these differences, no significant treatment effects on average daily gain (ADG) were observed (P > or = 0.24). Due to the effect of hide color on cattle surface temperature observed, there may be a potential impact on the steers ability to manage their body temperature under varying environmental conditions, however, there was no clear effect on performance and behavior at the scale presented in this study. Therefore, further research is required to determine the impact of hide color on cattle thermoregulation, the interaction with environment and potential management considerations.