How lock-up time affects dairy productivity

In a new study, researchers from Texas A&M University found the restraint of cows in self-locking head stanchions for extended periods inflicted detrimental effects on dairy cow performance. Lock-up time is the amount of time an animal spends restrained or locked into a head stanchion per day which is usually located at feed bunks on dairy farms. Dairy cattle are locked up regularly for pregnancy diagnosis, artificial insemination, veterinary-related treatments and examinations, vaccinati