Hospital Pens in Dairy Cattle Management

Hospital pens in dairy farming provide specialized care for sick or injured cows, improving recovery rates and preventing disease spread. Designed for conditions like mastitis, lameness, and pneumonia, they feature soft bedding, adequate space (12 m² per cow in individual pens), easy access to feed and water, and milking facilities. Located for staff monitoring, they reduce competition and waiting times, support resting behaviour, and enable timely treatment. Essential for cows with infectious diseases, they should not be used for calving, fresh, or dry cows. Proper hygiene and individual housing for contagious cases are critical. Reintroduction to herds requires caution due to potential aggression and reduced welfare. Calves and young stock need separate pens. The system is economically viable, technically efficient, and supports animal welfare and social resilience. Funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme.