General

64. In the UK, most dairy cows are housed during winter with feeding areas adjacent to the lying area. The remaining months are spent out at grass. However, there is an increasing, though limited, trend of housing cattle all-year-round utilising zero-grazing or by feeding stored forages. Yet in some countries, such as New Zealand, there is a tendency to keep dairy cattle in extensive systems throughout the year.

65. Housing systems have an extremely important role to play in the welfare of the dairy cow. Accommodation should be of a type that provides each cow with uninhibited access to wholesome feed and water; a comfortable, bedded, well-drained lying area; shelter from adverse weather; and space to move around and interact socially (which includes space to allow a subordinate animal to move away from a dominant one).

66. In general, cows in the best managed straw yards lie for longer than those in most cubicle systems. However, cows in well-managed cubicle systems, with cubicles of adequate size and comfort, can lie down for periods comparable to those of cows in straw yards. Whatever system is used, it is important to provide as comfortable an area as possible to maximise lying time and to allow the cow to chew the cud and to rise normally.

67. Cows in cubicles are likely to have more lameness problems and cows in straw yards more cases of environmental mastitis. Both these problems tend to be reduced when cows are turned out. Generally speaking, a higher level of management is required in straw yards than in cubicle systems. However, since lameness is the major cause of poor welfare in dairy cows, and is much lower in frequently bedded straw yards than in cubicle houses, cow comfort is arguably better in well-managed straw yards ² . Further scientific studies to compare health, welfare, behaviour and productivity of cows housed in cubicle systems with those housed straw yards would be of value. We conduct a brief comparison of the two types of system below.

2. Hughes, J W et al (1997). Environmental Control of Bovine Lameness, British Cattle Veterinary Society Cattle Practice, Volume 5, part 3.

Cubicles:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Low quantity of bedding required. Opportunity to use alternative bedding materials and mats which can further reduce usage of straw.	Passageways and cubicle bases contaminated with slurry. Higher risk of lameness and leg damage.
Lower risk of environmental mastitis.

Straw yards:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Relatively low incidence of lameness.	Large quantity of bedding required.
Less risk of damage to knees, hips and hocks.	Relatively high level of management.
	Higher risk of environmental mastitis.
	Feeding and loafing passageways contaminated with slurry.

68. Concrete yards and passageways, if rough or in a state of disrepair, may lead to abrasion of the sole and puncture wounds. Worn, smooth concrete is likely to cause slipping leading to leg and other damage. There is a variety of re-texturing treatments which will give suitable levels of friction and traction for the cow.