Introduction: Building from the Cow Up

Abstract

Building from the cow up refers to the construction of a barn for which the foundations are the cow and her behavior, comfort, health, safety, and performance. The stall area must allow a cow to stand with all 4 feet on a comfortable bed; to rest in natural wide, narrow, short, or long positions; and to recline and rise with natural forward lunging motions. There must be no hazards that may cause injury, pain, fear, or frustration. To achieve these goals, the dimensions of a cow, her natural behaviors, and the space she occupies must be known.

Keywords: Behavior; Comfort; Dairy cattle; Freestall; Tiestall; Welfare.