This study examined the preference of dairy cows for different types of cubicle flooring when housed in uninsulated buildings in Finland. Cows were given the choice between deep straw and soft rubber mat (with minimal straw); deep straw and sand; and, soft rubber mat and sand, in both summer and winter. The cattle preferred straw to soft rubber mats and sand in the winter. In the summer they preferred straw and soft rubber mats to sand. When restricted to only one type of floor, cows spent equal amounts of time lying on straw and soft rubber mats, but less time on the sand. The results indicate that soft rubber mats are as comfortable as deep straw for cubicle flooring during much of the year, but longer term studies on the use of sand are needed to determine if it is a suitable bedding in cold housing.









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