Management practices for fattening beef cattle: a critical analysis of strengths, weaknesses, and herd size effect in relation to animal welfare

The current farming systems for fattening beef cattle in Europe are generally perceived as detrimental to animal welfare. Although previous studies have identified risk factors in these rearing systems, a comprehensive description of animal welfare conditions across beef cattle farms is still missing. This study collected data on animal welfare and management practices of 49 beef cattle farms located in northeastern Italy. Overall, 38 items referring to farm management and personnel, structures and equipment, and animal-based measures (ABM) were analyzed. Given the wide variability in herd size, its impact on the assessed items was tested by dividing the farms into three equal groups based on the tertiles of their average herd size. The recorded ABMs highlighted satisfactory welfare conditions for the inspected animals, regardless of the herd size. Major shortcomings were observed in farm structures and equipment, like limited space allowances, unsafe flooring systems, lack of specific facilities for cattle moving and restraining, and deficiencies in infirmary areas. Water availability also required improvement, especially considering the increased animal demand under hot environmental conditions. Better personnel skills, effective feeding management, written recordings and protocols, and optimal environmental conditions were more frequent in larger herds. Given the increasing consumer expectations and societal concerns regarding farm animal welfare, this study offered a first comprehensive overview of the current welfare and management conditions of fattening beef cattle, which can serve as a valuable baseline for future research and targeted interventions.