How dairy and beef cattle are housed during winter significantly affects their welfare. Cubicle design, bedding, and space allowances determine comfort, cleanliness, and injury rates.
Cattle that cannot lie comfortably for adequate periods suffer chronic exhaustion and musculoskeletal stress. Poorly designed cubicles that prevent cattle from performing natural rising movements cause physical injury and discourage use. The result is cows that stand for excessive periods, increasing lameness and metabolic stress. Cubicle design that meets species-specific needs for lying posture is a fundamental welfare requirement in housed dairy systems.