The farmer uses milking machines to milk dairy cows housed in these tie-stall barns in their own stall. Free-stall barns allow dairy cows to move around through out the barn and lay down in any stall. Some parlours may have computerized or robotic milking machines, which allow the cows to be milked in a lesser amount of time with the farmer being able to collect information such as how much milk, each cow is producing. Weather permitting, animals are provided the opportunity to regularly exercise in a yard or pasture area. Soft dry bedding material such as straw or sawdust is provided to help keep the animals clean and comfortable.
Cows are pregnant for nine months and calves are usually born naturally and easily.
In the case of complications during delivery, the cow may require assistance from the farmer. On rare occasions, situations may arise which require the expertise of a veterinarian. Farmers are present during calving to ensure successful delivery. Some farms use observation cameras in the barn so they can keep a watch on the cow giving birth even when they are outside of the barn. Calves receive colostrum milk from the cow for the first three days.