Maximizing cow's comfort can help to increase milk production and improved health. Here are some tips to help improve cow's comfort:

1) Design and dimensions

• The size of stall should allow the cow to stand up and lie down naturally.

• If neck rails and brisket boards are used, they must be placed correctly to provide sufficient lunge space.

• Your stall needs to be able to fit the largest cow, not the average-size cows.

• If the stalls are too small, it will cause discomfort to the cows.

• If the stalls are too big, it will provide cow comfort but it will also result in dirty stalls and cows which will increase the maintenance cost.

• If the cows are comfortable, they will be either lying down or standing parallel in the stalls.

• If cows are uncomfortable, they will be perching in the stalls and lying diagonally.

2) Bedding

• When deciding what bedding to use, consider the price, availability, effects on cow comfort and manure handling system.

• The goal is to minimize exposure to environmental mastitis and keep the cows dry and clean.

• Generally, stall bases are either mattresses or deep bedded with sand.

• When using mattresses, at least 3 inches of bedding should be on top of the stall base.

• If using deep-bedded stalls, at least 6 inches of sand is required.

3) Stocking density

• When a barn has more cows than stalls, then it is considered overstocked.

• It is recommended to house fresh cows at around 80% stocking density.

• Understocking provides no benefit while overstocking will create competition between cows for resources and it will inhibit the cow from behaving naturally.

• Stocking density at the freestalls should never exceed 120%.

• If the barn is overstocked, it will decrease time of cows resting and lying down.

• More time spent standing leads to higher chances of lameness and it will also increase stress and reduce immune system.