Cubicle (freestall) design has a profound effect on dairy cow welfare. Properly designed cubicles reduce lameness, injury, and allow natural resting behaviour; poor design forces cows to avoid them.
When cubicles are too small, too narrow, or poorly positioned, cows avoid them or perch partially on the edge, spending more time standing on concrete. Prolonged standing on hard floors causes claw horn disruption and lameness. Injuries to hocks and knees are caused by sharp cubicle edges and inadequate bedding. Deep sand or straw bedding provides cushioning and traction for rising and lying, significantly reducing injury rates. Cubicle design is one of the most impactful and tractable welfare improvements available to dairy farmers.