Deep-litter cubicles: effects of maintainance on lying behaviour of dairy cows

Problem:

Cubicles are frequently insufficiently maintained on farms. The question is whether this causes shorter lying times and affects well-being. Dairy cows are supposed to lie 12 to 14 hours per day in their cubicles.
A study of the Bavarian Research Centre for Agriculture shows the effects of bedding maintenance on the lying times of the cows.

Methods:

This study aimed to comparing different levels of straw bedding (good: straw bedding 20 cm; bad: bedding 5 cm, around 3600 cm² without bedding) to soft lying mats (KRAIBURG KEW Plus) regarding lying behaviour and preferences. Data were collected in a dairy house with 60 cows (Bavarian Fleckvieh) and a robotic milking system.

good straw bedding maintenance

bad straw bedding maintenance

Results:

Die Belegung der Tiefboxen reduzierte sich auf weniger als die Hälfte.
Die Liegezeiten pro Kuh und Tag gingen um über 2 Stunden zurück.

Preferences of straw bedding levels and lying mats

Lying time (h) depending on different straw bedding Level

Conclusion:

In conclusion reduced bedding levels affects the cows lying behaviour and lying position. High straw bedding quality is important for a good welfare in dairy cattle. If farmers have not enough time for cleaning and littering the straw beddings they should use soft rubber mats.

Source: Reiter, K., Freiberger, F., Abriel, M., “Straw bedding maintenance: Effects on lying behaviour and preferences of dairy cattle”,

LfL Grub, 2006

Download as PDF file:

Deep-litter cubicles: effects of maintainance on lying behaviour of dairy cows (99 kB)

Produkte für die Tiefbox

maxiBOX Komfort-Tiefbox aus Gummi-Komponenten für die Milchkuh

POLSTA

The deep bedded cubicle cushion

Thickness: ca. 10 cm
2-layer composition
Surface: air cushions
Lower side: blade profile

maxiBOX

For elevated deep bedded cubicles

Thickness: ca. 3 cm
4-component system
Surface: U-shaped profiling
Lower side: air cushions