Physical injuries caused by inadequate stall design are one of the factors that has influence on udder health. Make sure that neck rail is adjusted to cows’ size. Neck rail at feeding area that is mounted too low can lead to injuries of hock and neck. If that is the case, it is recommended to adjust and move neck rail higher.
There should be sufficient space to accommodate the cow. When the cow rises, it requires the freedom to lean forward, move the head up or down, and move forward. When the cow is resting, it must have the freedom to lean forward and move its head up and down.
There are many different cubicle designs. Cows should be able to rise in the cubicle in the same way they do on grass. It is difficult to give specific measurements for the cubicle due to differences in size for different breeds. It is generally recommended that cows have minimum 47 cm place for the head and 168 cm for the body. Besides that, there should be space for the cow to lean forward (minimum 30 cm). Therefore the cubicle should be minimum 245 cm long. If the cubicle is just 215 cm in total length, cows should be able to lean to the sides.
Place brisket locator 175-180 cm from the cubicle front and at the height of 15-20 cm with 60 degrees slope. Brisket locator prevents the cow from pushing itself too much to the front of the cubicle, supports the cow when it rises and keeps the cubicle cleaner.
