Lying Time and Its Importance to the Dairy Cow: Impact of Stocking Density and Time Budget Stresses

Peter D Krawczel; Amanda R Lee

doi:10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.11.002

Lying Time and Its Importance to the Dairy Cow: Impact of Stocking Density and Time Budget Stresses

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2019 Mar;35(1):47-60. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.11.002.

Authors

Peter D Krawczel¹, Amanda R Lee²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, 258 Brehm Animal Science, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA. Electronic address: krawczel@utk.edu.
² Department of Animal Science, The University of Tennessee, 363 Brehm Animal Science, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.

PMID: 30686465
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2018.11.002

Abstract

The stocking density of confinement dairy operations is one of the most important management factors in determining cows' ability to achieve the 12 hours per day of lying and 3 hours to 5 hours per day feeding that cows are highly motivated to engage in. Overstocking facilities consistently decreases lying time, alters feeding behaviors, decreases rumination times, and increases social stress. This article reviews the relevant literature to establish the recommended stocking density with freestall systems. Novel housing systems and the considerations of transition cows are also reviewed.

Keywords: Aggression; Behavior; Lying time; Stocking density; Time budget.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animal Husbandry
Animals
Behavior, Animal*
Cattle / physiology*
Dairying
Feeding Behavior*
Female
Housing, Animal*