Winter housing for cattle requires careful management to prevent respiratory disease, lameness and behavioural frustration during extended indoor confinement.
Extended winter housing subjects cattle to significant welfare compromises if conditions are inadequate. Respiratory disease is the most common consequence of poor ventilation — ammonia and pathogens accumulate in poorly designed sheds. Lameness increases when cattle stand on hard, wet surfaces with inadequate bedding. Social stress rises in overcrowded housing with insufficient feed space for all animals to eat simultaneously. High-welfare winter housing provides adequate individual space, dry comfortable bedding, good air quality and opportunity for social interaction without overcrowding.