Time spent lying down is one of the most important welfare indicators for dairy cattle, reflecting the quality of housing, flooring, and management.
Lying time is a fundamental welfare indicator for dairy cattle because it reflects the integration of multiple housing and management factors into a single measurable outcome. A cow that cannot access adequate lying time — because cubicles are uncomfortable, too small, or socially competitive — accumulates welfare harm over hours and days. The relationship between inadequate lying time and lameness development has been clearly established: cows that stand for extended periods on hard concrete surfaces develop hoof problems that cause chronic pain. The availability of affordable automated lying time monitoring through leg sensors creates an opportunity for farms to objectively track this key welfare indicator and target improvements where they are most needed.