Stocking Density |
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In loose-housed systems, cows will spend more time lying down when more freestalls or space is provided. Aggressive behavior and competition is also reduced when there is sufficient space.
Which animals to assess:
Stocking density is scored in the same group of lactating cows assessed for hygiene.
How to assess:
For stocking density, adult cow freestall and tiestall pens should have a minimum of 1 usable stall per cow. Count all usable stalls and obtain the number of cows in that pen from the manager or producer. If this number does not seem to match with what was observed in the pen, count all cows as well to confirm.
Unusable stalls may include ones that are broken, too small, or flooded.
Important considerations about moving freely are also covered in: ability to turn around, tiestall release and trainers, time budget, and exercise
Unusable stalls may include ones that are broken, too small, or flooded.
Important considerations about moving freely are also covered in: ability to turn around, tiestall release and trainers, time budget, and exercise
Usable Stalls
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Unacceptable Stalls
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There is currently no repeatability test for this measure.