Tie stall housing of dairy cattle restricts movement to a small area continuously, representing one of the most welfare-compromising housing systems still in use.
Tie stall housing prevents almost all natural social and mobility behaviour throughout the cow's housed life. Cows cannot perform any comfort behaviour beyond lying and standing, cannot interact normally with herd mates, and cannot exercise. The welfare compromise is fundamental and continuous. Government incentives for housing conversion and strong retailer policies requiring loose housing provide the economic support farmers need to make this transition.