The use of cubicle mats for dairy cows has been promoted on the basis that they encourage cubicle occupancy, thus improving hygiene, and reduce the incidence and severity of udder and leg injuries. It has also been suggested that cows are less stressed so that fertility and production performance is improved, thus increasing profitability. This experiment was carried out to study the effect of synthetic cubicle mats (Cow Comfort, Wigan) on dairy cattle behaviour, health and productivity.

The first study used 33 cows offered a choice of 24 matted cubicles and 24 unmatted cubicles arranged in alternating groups of four. The cows were observed every half hour for 24 hours and their location (in or out of cubicles) and behaviour (standing or lying and whether ruminating) recorded. The second was a changeover experiment in which two groups of 28 cows were housed for two periods, each of at least two months, on either matted or concrete cubicles. In each period cow location and behaviour was recorded half hourly for a 24 hour duration. The 1·19 X 2·17 metre cubicles had Dutch Comfort divisions and all were bedded with sawdust. Cow health, reproductive performance and lameness were monitored throughout.