Cow Preference for Free Stall Surface Material

Abstract

Comparative cow preference for rubber mats, carpeting, and a layered mat was determined with 30 cows divided into three 10-cow groups. In alternate 2 wk, cows were assigned to one of the surfaces and then given 2 wk to select a given stall material. A 24-h observation was at the end of each 2 wk to determine stall lying and standing time. When cows were assigned to a stall surface, they spent more time occupying stalls when they were in carpeted and layered mat stalls than in rubber mat stalls. When cows were allowed to select stalls, layered stalls were used most frequently.