Adequate lying time is a critical welfare indicator for dairy cattle, with insufficient lying causing lameness, stress, and reduced productivity.
Lying time is a fundamental welfare need for cattle as prey animals evolved to lie for extended periods when not foraging. Dairy cows in systems with insufficient cubicle access or poor cubicle design suffer from fatigue, lameness from prolonged standing on concrete, and chronic stress. Monitoring lying time through sensors is increasingly feasible and provides a real-time welfare indicator that enables rapid management response.