Stocking density effect on weight gain of yearling Holstein heifers in freestall and loose housing.
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.
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006799:Housing, Animal; D011156:Population Density