Livestock

Dairy Cow Lying Time and Welfare

Adequate daily lying time is one of the most important welfare indicators for dairy cows. Restricted lying causes lameness, stress, and reduced immunity.

Key Facts

Dairy cows need 10-14 hours of lying time per day for optimal welfare
Cows deprived of lying work as hard to access a lying area as they do to access feed
Restricted lying increases cortisol, reduces milk yield, and predisposes to lameness
Cubicle design, stall dimensions, and bedding depth all affect lying comfort
Overstocking is the most common cause of inadequate lying time in UK herds

Welfare Considerations

Lying time is a highly motivated behaviour in dairy cattle, and its restriction is a significant welfare concern. Cows denied lying time develop hock swellings, higher hoof lesion rates, and elevated stress hormones. Proper cubicle design with appropriate dimensions, deep sand or rubber mattress bedding, and stocking rates that provide all cows simultaneous access to stalls are the most effective welfare interventions.

What You Can Do

Support dairy assurance standards that include lying time assessment
Ask dairy farmers about cubicle design and stocking rates
Advocate for cubicle design standards in UK dairy regulations
Choose dairy products from farms with verified welfare audit outcomes