Lying Time and Its Importance to the Dairy Cow: Impact of Stocking Density and Time Budget Stresses.

The stocking density of confinement dairy operations is one of the most important management factors in determining cows' ability to achieve the 12 hours per day of lying and 3 hours to 5 hours per day feeding that cows are highly motivated to engage in. Overstocking facilities consistently decreases lying time, alters feeding behaviors, decreases rumination times, and increases social stress. This article reviews the relevant literature to establish the recommended stocking density with freestall systems. Novel housing systems and the considerations of transition cows are also reviewed.