Patterns of Pen Stocking Density on Dry lot and Freestall Dairy Farms in the Western United States

Authors

  • D. A. Moore Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
  • D. R. Kinder Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
  • W. M. Sischo Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20104153

Keywords:

stocking density, dairy cattle, resting time, feed intake, lameness, reproduction, behavior, animal welfare, performance, herd health

Abstract

Stocking density in dairy cattle pens appears to affect resting time, feed intake, milk production, lameness, reproduction, hygiene, behavior, and health of the cows. Stocking density can be calculated by the number of linear feet of bunk space per cow, number of cows per freestall, or number of cows per drylot area. Stocking density measures are part of animal welfare auditing guidelines and are important for veterinary investigation of herd health and performance concerns. The purpose of this project was to describe the features of all the cattle pens on large dairy farms in the west and assess farm-level stocking density by pen.

Cover image of the 43rd Conference Proceedings: Two short-horned cattle grazing in a field, surrounded by a flock of egrets. Yellow background.

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Published

2010-08-19

Issue

2010

Section

Research Summaries 4

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