Time for a Freestall Check?

Adapted by Betsy Karle, UCCE Glenn & Tehama Counties

When it comes right down to it, we have a bunch of hard-working ladies who we depend on for the next paycheck. While we spend a significant amount of time formulating rations and getting cows bred, the condition of freestalls oftentimes gets lost in the shuffle. Research has shown that comfortable cows produce more milk and we all know that well-balanced ration isn’t going to do a cow much good if she can’t or won’t lie down and get some quality cud-chewing time. So, take a minute and ask yourself a few questions about the condition of the freestalls on your dairy:

• Does that look like someplace I’d like to take a nap?
• Is she touching the inside of the rear curb with her hocks or udder?
• Do more than 10% of cows have any signs of hock injury?
• Can I see the stall base?
• Is the “knee-drop” test painful? (Don’t forget to magnify the impact about 8 times to account for the weight of a cow!)

If you answered no to the first question or yes to any of the others, you need more bedding. Even if you use mattresses in your barns, 3-4 inches of bedding over the mattress surface is still recommended to prevent painful hock injuries and make cows more likely to lie down for longer periods of time. The goal is to provide cows a clean, dry surface that will provide cushion and traction while being yielding enough to conform to the shape of the cow. Most of us in the Valley don’t have the luxury of using beach sand in our stalls, but well-dried manure solids are a great alternative. Unfortunately, no bedding surface is maintenance-free, so we have to take the time to rake or smooth the surface daily and add bedding as needed. Taking measures to increase cow comfort will pay dividends with more milk in the tank.

Link to PDF Version: Time for a Freestall Check