Types of Freestalls and Components Depending upon provisions for the thrust of the cow's head during the lunge, freestalls may be in one of two categories forward lunge or side lunge. Figure 1 shows two examples of forward lunge stalls, Figure 2 of side lunge stalls. Certainly other designs may satisfy the concepts and principles of free stall design equally well. Therefore, an evaluation of a particular freestall begins with assessing its merits in meeting the basic needs of the cow from the standpoint of comfort and cleanliness. Side lunge and forward lunge freestalls differ in partition shape and in stall base design at the front of the stall.
Designs are similar at the rear of the stall.
To reduce injury, both types provide space beneath the lower rail to minimize contact with the hip and pelvic area of the cow. In a side lunge freestall, the cow turns and thrusts her head into an adjacent stall space as she rises. The lower rail of the partition is either high enough in the front to allow the cow to thrust her head under the lower rail or low enough to allow the cow to thrust her head over the lower rail without interference. In the figures, the values given for these dimensions are greater since the dimensions are measured from the top of the back curb, a more stable reference point especially in sand-based freestalls. In a forward lunge freestall, additional stall length is needed to allow the cow to lunge forward either within the stall envelope or through an open front to space beyond.