An Update on dairy cow free stall design

Abstract

This paper summarizes recent advances in our knowledge of free stall design for dairy cows. New information related to free stall surface cushion and traction, resting space, head lunge and bob movement and neck rail location is reviewed and summarized. Diagonal lying of cows in stalls has several potential adverse effects, and can result from mechanical and social obstructions related to overall stall size. Recent research has shown that lame cows behave differently on mattress than on sand surfaces. It is likely that lameness is a risk factor for other stall injuries and entrapments. Currently, sand remains an optimal stall surface for the dairy cow as its cushion and traction allows lame cows to maintain normal patterns of daily stall activity.