These are signs that cows rub excessively on stall partitions or neck rails when rising or lying down. Straw, sawdust, sand, and shredded newspaper can all work well as bedding material. The choice is often determined by the manure handling system. Any bedding used must keep cows clean and dry. Keeping stalls well-bedded maximizes moisture absorption, adds resilience, makes stalls comfortable, increases usage, and reduces potential for injury.
Most cows prefer a four percent slope from front to rear of the stall.
Look for dirty switches, udders, and hindquarters. Stalls should be inspected daily and wet bedding removed. Improperly maintained freestalls not only reduce cow comfort, but increase the risk of mastitis. Ventilation Your dairy's ventilation system should prevent high humidity in winter and heat build-up in summer. Freestall fronts and partitions should be open enough to allow air movement across the cow.