Lying time is one of the most robust welfare indicators for dairy cows. Cows that cannot lie down for sufficient hours each day show measurably higher stress, more lameness and reduced productivity.
Dairy cow lying time is a direct welfare measurement with clear welfare thresholds. Cows that lie less than 9 hours per day show higher lameness prevalence, increased cortisol and reduced immune function. Lying is not simply rest but includes rumination (60% occurs lying down), social bonding and recovery from the physical demands of milking and standing on concrete. Cubicle design — mattress comfort, neck rail position, brisket board placement, curb height — each affect whether cows use available lying spaces comfortably. On farms with electronic leg monitoring, early alerts when average lying time drops provide actionable welfare interventions before lameness or production losses occur.