Livestock

Dairy Cattle Housing Bedding: Welfare Evidence 2026

The bedding surface in dairy cow housing has major welfare implications for lying comfort, cleanliness, lameness and mastitis incidence.

Key Facts

Dairy cows should lie down for 10-14 hours per day for adequate rest and rumination
Deep sand bedding is associated with the lowest rates of lameness, hock lesions and mastitis
Rubber-covered concrete cubicles provide better welfare than bare concrete but less than deep bedding
Straw yards allow natural behaviour but require intensive management to remain hygienic

Welfare Considerations

Inadequate bedding causes hock and knee injuries, reduced lying time, lameness and increased mastitis from environmental pathogens. Cows on inappropriate surfaces may stand for extended periods to avoid lying on uncomfortable or contaminated beds. Welfare priorities include providing deep, clean, dry bedding material, maintaining adequate cubicle dimensions, and monitoring hock lesion scores as a welfare indicator.

What You Can Do

Assess cubicle design and bedding material against welfare standards
Monitor hock lesion and knee lesion scores as routine welfare metrics
Invest in deep sand or high-quality mattress systems to improve lying comfort
Ensure bedding depth and cleanliness is maintained through regular topping up and disinfection