Freestall Care Proper free stall care includes daily inspection and removal of wet bedding and manure, besides adding dry bedding periodically. Neglected free stalls with excessive moisture or accumulations of manure can lead to an increased incidence of mastitis. Also, for stalls with bases that must be replenished such as sand, always maintain an upward slope of the base toward the front. This upward slope helps position cows more squarely in the stall when lying down, and this contributes to cleaner stalls and cleaner cows. Besides freestalls, other aspects of housing influence cow comfort.
Proper ventilation leads to good air quality that is conducive to good health.
Moreover, proper ventilation leads to dry bedding, an aid to controlling mastitis. Proper ventilation leads to dry alley surfaces that are less slippery and an aid to maintaining good foot health. Proper ventilation in the feed manger area during hot weather keeps cows more comfortable, thus maintaining dry matter intake and avoiding slumps in milk production. High humidities in winter and heat buildup in summer are avoided. Concentrations of disease organisms, noxious gases and dust are minimized.