The heftiest and happiest cattle this summer will be those kept in the shade, according to new research out of Murdoch University.

A significant study has been undertaken investigating the welfare and performance benefits of shade provision for feedlot cattle in temperate climatic zones.

The study, titled "Welfare and performance benefits of shade provision during summer for feedlot cattle in a temperate climatic zone,” looked at the effects of providing shade to black Angus steers in a commercial feedlot in Western Australia.

Led by Associate Professor David Miller, from Murdoch University’s School of Agricultural Sciences, and published in the Journal of Animal Science, the results highlighted the positive impact of shade on cattle welfare and growth benefits.

“The welfare benefits of shade provision are clear, even in our temperate climate,” Associate Professor Miller said.

“Shaded cattle exhibited more positive demeanour, being described as more 'settled and sociable,' while unshaded cattle were more 'agitated and anxious.'

“Results also showed that shaded cattle demonstrated a modest 0.13 kg overall increase in average daily gain across the 70-day feedlot period, and that the physiological and behavioural markers of health and welfare improved, with shaded cattle better able to thermoregulate during the hottest times of the experiment.

“This research is crucial for the feedlot industry, as it highlights the benefit of shade provision to enhance animal welfare, whilst at the same time delivering productivity advantages that can quickly pay back the cost of the shade infrastructure.”

Research was conducted over six time-windows across a southern Australian summer and involved 960 cattle housed in both shaded and unshaded pens.

Murdoch University is committed to advancing research that improves animal welfare and supports sustainable agricultural practices.

This study, supported by Meat and Livestock Australia and conducted with the approval of Murdoch University's Animal Ethics committee.