Introduction

An ideal free stall will allow a cow to recline, rise, and change position without coming into contact with any portion of the stall except the base or bedding. Items such as partitions, neck rails, brisket tubes, and stall supports should be guides that define the cow’s resting area but do not hinder her movements or result in injuries or entrapment.

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Sizing a Free Stall

The numbers, illustrations, and diagrams in this detail sheet provide guidance in how to size a free stall for cow comfort and use and convenient maintenance. Important items to consider in selecting and installing free stalls include:

Cow size variations by breed, age, and stage of lactation
Open or closed front free stalls
Base and bedding that provide a comfortable and confident surface for resting
Lunge space for cow to extend her body into as she reclines and rises
Convenient maintenance that allows caretakers to keep cows clean, dry, and comfortable

**Suggested dimensions for open- and closed-front free stalls for mature dairy cattle.**
Animal Weight (lbs)	Total Stall Length Closed Front (in)	Total Stall Length Open Front (in)	Length to Brisket Tube or Board (in)	Length to Neck Rail (in)	Stall Width Center to Center (in)	Height to Top of Partition (in)	Height to Neck Rail (in)	Brisket Board or Tube Height (in)
	L_SC	L_SO	L_B	L_N	W_S	H_P	H_N	H_B
900-1100	90-96	78-82	64-66	62-64	41-43	42-44	42-44	4-6
1100-1300	96-102	80-86	66-68	64-66	43-45	44-46	44-46	4-6
1300-1500	102-108	90-96	68-70	66-68	45-48	46-48	46-48	4-6
1500-1700	108-114	96-102	70-72	68-70	48-52	48-52	48-52	4-6

(See illustrations of varying stall configurations blow.)

This information provides guidance as to how much space each stall will occupy and where to place the components. It is based on values found in the literature and field experiences. The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ASABE), Natural Resource, Agriculture and Engineering Service (NRAES), Midwest Plan Service (MWPS), Dairy Practices Council (DPC), as well as various dairy and veterinary publications and manufacturers’ literature are also sources of information. Final adjustments of the components will require careful observation of the cows and their stall use such as:

Do cows readily and easily use the stalls?
Are there injuries, punctures, abrasions, or swelling to hocks, legs, hips, etc.?
Do cows have to push, bang, or bump against stall components to recline, rise, or change positions?

Dairy Idea Plan Number 821
Cow Free stall (Cubicle), Types and Details
Date:10/06/05
Penn State Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Cooperative Extension
http://www.abe.psu.edu

Author Information

R. Graves
D. McFarland
J. Tyson
T. Wilson
Penn State University