The majority of new cubicles in Ireland are hung from horizontal pipes. However just because the majority do it, that still does not make it right.
If the cow was involved in the decision making process she would remove the bottom bar and hang each cubicle from a vertical post.
Removing the bottom horizonal bar allows cows to lung forward unimpeded.
Wilsons cubicles are a good example of how cubicles should be installed. The white cow has her leg extended in a natural position in front of her. The horizontal bar at 1m from the ground prevents cows from walking through.
If we want cows to lie straight in cubicles then we must allow them unimpeded space to lunge straight when they want to get up. Don't underestimate the amount of space required, anything less than 240cm (8 feet) is definitely too short against a wall or 480cm (16 feet) in a head to head. There is a misconception that cows in a head to head will share space. Cows are as intimidated lying opposite another cow as they would facing a wall so are very likely to lie crooked in short head to head cubicles.
Dr Nigel Cooke of University of Wisconsin demonstrating how this Artex manufactured loop has been designed to hang on a rail but does not impede cow lunging.
This might be an old picture but there are plenty cubicles still being installed that are impossible for a cow to manage.
These cubicles are far too short for these animals. They are close to the front wall and still hanging out the end of the cubicles. The third lady has decided the risk of getting caught against the wall is too high so is now turning. This habit of turning and defecating on the front of the cubicles is likely to stay with her for the rest of her life.
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