Farmed Animals

Cubicle Design for Dairy Cow Welfare

Cubicle design directly affects dairy cow comfort, lying time, and hock health in housed systems.

Key Facts

Cows spend up to 14 hours per day lying down when conditions permit
Cubicles that are too short or too narrow prevent cows from lying and rising naturally
Hock lesions and swelling are indicators of inadequate cubicle design
Deep bedded cubicles with sawdust or sand significantly improve cow comfort and hock health
Cubicle dimensions should be matched to the size of cows in the herd

Welfare Considerations

Cubicle design is a critical determinant of dairy cow welfare in housed systems. Well-designed cubicles allow cows to lie, rise, and lunge without restriction, promoting adequate lying time and protecting hock health. Inadequate cubicle dimensions, hard surfaces, and insufficient bedding cause chronic discomfort, increased injury risk, and associated health problems including lameness and mastitis.

What You Can Do

Support welfare standards that specify evidence-based cubicle dimension requirements
Advocate for regular cubicle assessment as part of farm welfare audits
Raise awareness about cubicle design as a fundamental welfare investment
Support research into optimal cubicle design for different cattle breeds and sizes
Choose dairy products from farms with documented cubicle and housing welfare standards