How does cow lying in the stable affect a dairy cow's daily lying time and comfort?
Publish Time: 2026-01-08
In modern dairy farming, "lying-down behavior" is not only a core indicator of cow welfare but also directly related to milk production, reproductive efficiency, and overall health. Studies show that high-producing dairy cows need to lie down for 12-14 hours daily to maintain optimal physiological condition. The cow lying in the stable—what we commonly call the bedding system—has its own set of features. From bedding size and bedding material to pen layout, every detail profoundly affects whether a cow is willing to lie down and whether it can rest comfortably.
If the length, width, and neck rail position of the bedding are not scientifically designed according to the cow's body shape, it will directly restrict its natural lying posture. For example, a bedding that is too short forces the cow to curl up or prevents it from fully extending its hind legs, making it difficult to get up; a bedding that is too narrow restricts side-lying, affecting deep rest. An ideal bedding system should allow cows to freely complete the entire process of "standing—lying down—side-lying down—getting up," with sufficient head movement space when getting up. Studies show that equipment of standard dimensions can increase cows' average daily lying time by more than 2 hours.
2. Bedding Material: The Balance Between Softness and Firmness Affects Limb Health
Bedding is the part of the bedding that comes into direct contact with the cow's body, and its comfort directly affects the cow's willingness to lie down. Sand is widely recognized as a high-quality bedding material due to its high absorbency, low bacterial growth rate, and good cushioning, significantly increasing lying time. While rubber mats are durable and easy to clean, their overly hard surface can cause concentrated pressure on joints, potentially leading to lameness with prolonged use. Organic bedding materials such as rice husks and sawdust, if not replaced promptly, can easily become damp and compacted, breeding pathogenic microorganisms and inducing mastitis. Therefore, choosing suitable bedding and keeping it dry and clean is key to ensuring comfort.
3. Bedding Structure: Details Determine "Willingness to Lie Down"
In addition to size and bedding, the auxiliary structure of the bedding is also crucial. Excessively high or forward neck rails can hinder cows from lowering their heads to enter or raising their heads to stand; a hindquarters that are too short cannot properly position the hindquarters, leading to excrement soiling the bedding; and a lack of partitions can easily cause fighting or trampling. Modern high-welfare bedding often uses adjustable neck rails, curved hindquarters, and flexible partitions, guiding cows to the correct lying posture while reducing physical pressure. Furthermore, the bedding slope helps drainage, keeping the surface dry and further enhancing comfort.
4. Environment and Management: Equipment Must Be Coordinated with Systems
Even the best equipment will be significantly less effective without proper management. For example, if bedding is not cleaned daily, manure buildup will force cows to refuse to lie down; poor ventilation leading to increased ammonia concentrations will irritate the respiratory tract and reduce rest quality. Simultaneously, overcrowding creates competition for lying space, forcing weaker individuals to stand for extended periods. Therefore, equipment design must be optimized in conjunction with manure removal frequency, ventilation systems, and group management.
5. Data Feedback: Smart Devices Facilitate Precise Improvement
In recent years, technologies such as smart collars and bedding pressure sensors have enabled real-time monitoring of each cow's lying time, frequency of urination and defecation, and rumination behavior. Through data analysis, managers can quickly identify abnormal behaviors caused by equipment malfunctions and adjust bedding parameters accordingly. This cow-centric, refined management is driving the upgrade of cattle farming equipment from simply "usable" to "easy-to-use" and "user-friendly."
Cow lying in the stable not only reflects respect for animal welfare but also serves as an invisible engine for improving ranch economic efficiency. When every dairy cow can rest comfortably and safely, a solid foundation is laid for high-yield, healthy, and sustainable farming. In the future, with the deepening of research in intelligence and biomechanics, a "bed" in the cowshed may carry even more warmth and technology.
