Stall Systems & Bedding

What Are Stall Systems & Bedding?

Stall systems and bedding include freestall dividers, loops, and bases; mattresses and mats; and all bedding materials (sand, sawdust, straw, recycled manure solids) used to create comfortable lying areas. These elements directly determine whether cows lie down enough and stay clean and healthy.

Why Stall Comfort Matters

Cows need 12-14 hours of lying time daily for rest, rumination, and blood flow to the udder. Inadequate stall comfort reduces lying time, which reduces milk production, increases lameness, and impairs overall health. Comfortable cows are productive cows.

Key Benefits of Good Stalls

• More lying time: Comfortable stalls encourage use
• Better production: Rested cows make more milk
• Udder health: Clean, dry bedding reduces mastitis
• Hock health: Proper cushioning prevents lesions
• Foot health: Less standing means healthier feet

Stall Components

Dividers and Loops

Metal structures that define individual stalls. Must be sized correctly for your cows—too small discourages use; too large allows diagonal lying and manure contamination.

Stall Bases

The surface under bedding. Options include deep bedded (usually sand), mattresses over concrete, mats over concrete, or waterbeds.

Bedding Materials

Sand is often considered ideal for cow comfort and udder health. Organic materials (sawdust, straw, recycled manure solids) are also used. Each has tradeoffs in comfort, bacterial growth, and manure handling.

Stall Sizing

• Length: 8-9 feet for Holsteins (measured from curb to brisket locator)
• Width: 45-48 inches center-to-center
• Neck rail: Positioned to control where cows stand and lie
• Brisket locator: Positions cow properly when lying

Bedding Considerations

• Sand: Excellent comfort, drains well, inorganic limits bacteria
• Sawdust/shavings: Good comfort, moderate bacterial risk
• Straw: Traditional, good cushioning, labor-intensive
• Recycled manure solids: Economical if properly processed

Do You Need Stall Improvements?

Consider upgrades if:

• Cows aren't using stalls or standing instead of lying
• Hock lesions or injuries are common
• Stalls are too small for your current cow size
• Bedding management isn't achieving dry, clean beds
• Mastitis rates suggest environmental issues

Cost Considerations

Complete stall renovation costs $200-500 per stall. Mattresses cost $100-200 each. Bedding costs vary from $50-150/cow/year for sand to $100-300 for organic materials. Good stall comfort directly impacts production and health—underspending on beds costs more than it saves.