Stocking rate is one of the most influential factors in dairy cow welfare. Overcrowding drives competition, reduces lying time, and compromises welfare across multiple dimensions.
Overcrowding is the most common and most impactful welfare problem in UK housed dairy systems. When cubicle and feed face availability falls below optimal ratios, competition increases and dominant cows displace subordinate animals from both feeding and lying areas. Subordinate cows in overcrowded herds experience nutritional deficit, reduced lying time, elevated lameness risk, and chronic social stress. Maintaining stocking at or below 85% of capacity with appropriate space ratios is the most evidence-based welfare intervention available to dairy farmers.