Farm Animals

Cattle Cubicle Design and Lying Behaviour

How cubicle design affects dairy cow lying time, comfort, and welfare outcomes in housed systems.

Key Facts

Cows need 10-14 hours of lying time per day for good welfare
Poorly designed cubicles reduce lying time and cause hock injuries
Mattress type significantly affects cow comfort and lying time
Lunge space and brisket board positioning are critical design parameters
Lying time monitoring is a key welfare indicator in precision dairy farming

Welfare Considerations

Inadequate lying space and comfort in cubicles causes significant cumulative suffering through reduced rest, hock injuries, and lameness.

What You Can Do

Support farmer adoption of welfare-friendly cubicle design guidelines
Advocate for lying time and comfort in dairy welfare standards
Choose dairy products from farms with good housing welfare records