Housing design profoundly affects cattle welfare during winter periods, with space, bedding, ventilation, and social grouping all critical factors.
Cattle housed in inadequate conditions suffer from respiratory disease, lameness on concrete floors, and social stress from overcrowding. Good housing design is a long-term investment that pays dividends in reduced disease, better welfare indicators, and improved productivity. The challenge is that housing investment costs are high and may not be justified on marginal farms.