Heifers spend their days eating at the feedbunk, milling around, and laying down. Achieving optimal stall comfort will ensure the success of your herd and also reduce the number of stall-ridden injuries. Extension educator Dan McFarland of Penn State University touched on key elements that should be considered when building a heifer freestall barn.

Heifers are smaller in stature, so stall dimensions will differ compared to building a barn for lactating cows. “To be successful, heifer freestalls need to be the correct size for the animals using them and offer the most comfortable resting option within the pen. Freestall size and structure should allow each heifer in the group to enter, recline, rest comfortably, rise, and exit the stall easily,” said McFarland.

Build a barn that is better suited for heifers based upon accurate size and weight estimates. Age does not accurately depict the size or weight of a heifer. “Freestall dimensions are more accurately determined by heifer mass, so an accurate weight estimate for heifers intending to use the stalls is necessary to ensure good stall acceptance and use,” denoted the educator. Heifers are also more prone to using freestalls that are larger compared to those that are smaller in size.

Penn State Extension recommends five different freestall size and structure dimensions for heifers weighing 300 to 1,300 pounds. Each heifer group should vary by increments of 200 pounds. “Penn State Dairy Idea Plan 822 Heifer Freestall Types and Details suggests a range of 6 to 9 inches in stall length, 2 inches in stall width, and 2 to 4 inches for structural elements,” cited McFarland. These dimensions have been standard for years but can run into some hurdles when dealing with heifers that have a hard time adjusting to the freestalls and use the freestalls incorrectly.

Freestall acceptance rate can be addressed by moving the neck rail forward and slightly higher, allowing heifers easier access to the stall. The brisket bar can also be adjusted if resting space is minimal. To maximize stall comfort, bedding needs to be comfortable and durable. “Resilient mattress and ‘soft’ mats are usually good stall bed choices for growing heifers. Generously bedded stalls are also a good option but generally require more maintenance since heifers tend to ‘paw and dig’ the bedding material,” he explained.

Whichever way you choose, keep comfort in mind. Spending money on a system that doesn’t work for your operation ultimately is a waste, and you will find yourself adjusting or replacing the stalls. Keep the weight of your heifers in mind as you think about housing heifers in a freestall barn.