Continuous housing of dairy cows is a controversial topic in the UK. Grazing is considered to be a more humane way of keeping dairy cows but has draw backs like lower milk outputs and welfare problems such as heat stress and hunger periods. European herds vary in style but in some regions up to 50% of herds are kept in continuously housed operations. Problems that arise in continuously housed operations are generally a result of management being unable to handle welfare, sanitation and feeding properly.