AGRO SOLUTIONS: Dairy Advice: Feed Space And Cubicle Beds Standards

“As dairy farms shift to the grazing season, ensuring optimal conditions for cows is critical. With weather challenges affecting grazing, most cows will rely on silage for dry matter intake, necessitating well-managed feed space and cubicles. During calving, adjusting shed space for varying groups is essential, as the number of freshly calved cows can double quickly. Comfortable cubicles are vital; aim for cows to spend at least 70% of their time lying down or eating to maintain hoof health and prevent lameness. Providing more cubicles than cows by at least 5% prevents competition and ensures sufficient resting space, promoting overall herd welfare and productivity. Source: Daily Trust

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As dairy farms shift into the grazing season, managing feed space and cubicles remains critical for cow health and productivity. During calving, cow groups fluctuate, necessitating daily adjustments to shed space. Adequate feed space and comfortable cubicle beds are essential, as the number of freshly calved cows can double rapidly. Ideally, cows should spend 70% of their time lying down or eating, underscoring the importance of comfortable resting areas.
To maintain hoof health and prevent lameness, cows should lie down for at least 12 hours daily. Providing more cubicles than cows by at least 5% helps prevent competition and bullying, ensuring each cow has sufficient space. Insufficient feed space can lead to competition during feeding, with stronger cows dominating and weaker ones waiting, affecting feeding and hoof health.
For optimal management, provide 60 cm of feed space per milking cow and 80 cm per dry cow, using two rows of cubicles with a parallel feed barrier setup. These practices enhance comfort, reduce stress, and promote healthier cows throughout the grazing and calving seasons.”