The design and management of cattle housing directly determines welfare outcomes for individual animals. Cubicle dimensions, bedding quality and stocking density all have measurable effects on cow welfare.
Cows that cannot lie comfortably for adequate periods experience musculoskeletal stress, reduced milk production and elevated injury risk. Poorly designed cubicles with inadequate length, width or neck rail height cause repeated trauma to hocks and knees. Rubber matting with adequate bedding significantly reduces these impacts. The economics of adequate cubicle design are positive — the productivity and longevity gains outweigh the investment in most systems.