title: Stocking density effect on weight gain of yearling Holstein heifers in freestall and loose housing.
abstract: Stocking densities of replacement yearling Holstein heifers were studied under freestall conditions (1.0, .71, and .63 freestall/head) and loose housing conditions (4.5, 3.2, and 2.8 m2/head under roof) in two 180-day growth trials. Heifers gained .69, .69, and .66 kg/day under freestall conditions and .63, .56, and .71 kg/day under loose housing conditions for the stocking densities. Stocking densities of replacement herd heifers may be increased to .63 freestall/head under freestall conditions or to 2.8 m2/head under loose housing conditions without expanding existing facilities.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006799:Housing, Animal; D011156:Population Density