Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service Effects of Mud on Animal Performance

feeding sites can become muddy quickly when animals are active after mois-ture falls. Research is clear on the negative effect of muddy conditions on animal perfor-mance. • Bond et al. (1970) reported that mud reduced daily gains of animals by 25 to 37 percent and increased the amount of feed required per pound of gain by 20 to 33 percent. • The National Research Council (1981) reports that small amounts of mud (4 to 8 inches deep) can reduce feed intake of animals by 5 to 15 percent, while larger amounts of mud (12 to 24 inches deep) can decrease feed intake by up to 15 to 30 percent. • The University of Nebras-ka has estimated the effect of mud on animal performance based on temperature conditions in the range of 21 to 39°F. (Table 1) • Smith (1971) also reported that animals in areas of muddy conditions have an increased need for energy to maintain their mainte-nance requirement