Don’t Overdo Lock

Self-locking head-lock stanchions have become a management staple on most U.S. free stall dairies. But their convenience can become too much of a good thing, according to a review paper published recently in the journal Veterinary Quarterly.

A research team from Texas A&M University evaluated published studies that examined the effects of lock-up times on various aspects of dairy cow health, welfare, behavior, and performance. While lock-ups are now integral on dairies for performing pregnancy diagnosis, artificial insemination, veterinary-related treatments and exams, vaccinations, heat detection, and some feeding purposes, they also have been deemed a source of “management-induced stress.” The studies evaluated showed far-reaching impacts on cows, including:

The Texas A&M researchers concluded that – based on present research -- 4 hours per day is the upper acceptable bound for lock-up times, with less lock-up time being more desirable. They also stressed the importance of minimizing lock-up times in extreme heat environments, especially late morning and early afternoon in hot weather.

They urged additional studies to evaluate the effect of different lock-up time periods on the health and production of dairy cows, calling the issue of lock-up times “one of the major issues in the dairy industry that needs immediate attention.”