Testing the ability of contact mats to identify problematic stall configurations

Comparing the frequency of cow contact with stall rails across multiple designs may help to determine which configurations best promote ease movement and reduce injury risk. The objective this study was compare dividers different treatments using mat (CM) system identify problematic designs. A total 6 were each tested against for consecutive weeks control (CON) condition: 3 that modified placement tie-rail (TRFARM, TRNEW1, TRNEW2), separate increased chain length (LCL), doubled width (DSW), shortened manger wall height (SMW). CM affixed record per second. Cows ranked in descending order from highest divider lowest week. TRNEW1 TRNEW2 only a consistently lower than CON, while DSW higher CON. results suggest can be used independently substantiate findings related comfort.