Cubicle design in dairy housing directly affects the ability of cows to lie down, rest, and rise comfortably, with major implications for welfare and health.
Cows in poorly designed cubicles cannot rest for the 10-14 hours daily they require, causing lameness, reduced milk production, and chronic welfare compromise. Many farms have cubicles that were designed for smaller cows and have not been adapted as cow size has increased through selective breeding. Cubicle modification is one of the most impactful and relatively accessible welfare improvements available to dairy farmers.