Simmental bulls were raised in separate pens with one of two different manger space allowances: 60 cm per head versus 80 cm per head. Floor type was either slatted or straw-bedded. There were no significant interactions between the two main factors considered in the study. Daily gain, feed intake and feed efficiency were not affected by the amount of manger space provided to the bulls. Similarly, manger space allowance did not modify behaviour or the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, which is a blood indicator of chronic stress. Ad libitum feeding promoted a high turnover of bulls in the feeding area, which limited the number of animals that could eat at the same time. This occurred regardless of the amount of manger space provided. Carcass traits and meat quality were not affected by manger space allowance. Regardless of whether bulls are housed on slatted or straw-bedded flooring, a 60 cm per head space allowance at the manger is sufficient if fed ad libitum under intensive rearing conditions.