Tie Stall Dimensions

January 2007 

Livestock Technology 

INFOSheet 

Concepts 

Tie Stall Dimensions 

Neil Anderson 

Ministry of Agriculture, 

Food and Rural Affairs 

www.omafra.gov.on.ca 

Knowledge of cow measurements and their space requirements is necessary to design stalls. Stall 

dimensions must be appropriate for standing, lying, rising and resting without injury, pain or fear. This 

document describes cow dimensions, space requirements and tie-stall dimensions for modern Canadian 

Holstein dairy cows. 

Cow Dimensions 

Due to variation in cow size between and within herds, the first step in planning stall size is the 

measurement of Lactation 1 and mature cows in your herd. For tie stalls, it is common to build more than 

one size of stall. Therefore, measure a sample of the small, medium and large cows. Rump heights and 

hook-bone widths are useful measures to estimate several other body dimensions. Since several body 

dimensions are proportional, ratios provide reasonable estimates of dimensions for calves, heifers or other 

dairy breeds. 

Figure 1. Variation in cow size within and between 

herds highlights the need to measure your cows 

before choosing stall sizes. 

It is becoming common to build stalls sized for 

Lactation 1 heifers, milking cows and dry or specialneeds 

cows, in recognition of variation in cow size and 

needs within a herd. A barn with one stall size poses 

several challenges to both management and cows. Stall and cow cleanliness, labor, mastitis, foot diseases 

and cow comfort are issues to consider in choosing tie-stall sizes. 

Contents 

1. Concepts 

2. Cow Dimensions 

3. Space Requirements 

4. Stall Dimensions as Ratios of Body Dimensions 

5. Tie Rail or Head Rail 

6. Wide Opening – Forward or Diagonal Lunge 

7. Manger Curb 

8. Manger Height 

9. Platform (Bed) - Length, Width, and Cushion 

10. Water Bowls 

11. Electric Cow Trainers 

12. Cautions and Precautions 

13. Diagram – Tie-stall Dimensions 

14. Contact Information 

Bringing the Resources of the World to Rural Ontario 

Agricultural Information Contact Centre Fergus Office Northern Ontario Regional Office 

1-877-424-1300 1-519-846-0941 1-800-461-6132

Figure 2. Several cow measurements taken on 

standing cows are useful for building stalls. Other 

essential measurements are imprint length and 

imprint width of resting cows. 

Table 1 shows measurements of mature Canadian 

Holsteins at a local dairy herd and some calculated 

proportions. For example, mature cows had a rump 

height of 60 inches, a nose-to-tail length of 8.5 feet 

and a hook-bone width of 25 inches. Their weight 

exceeded 1,550 pounds. 

Table 1. The table shows body dimension, example measurements for mature Holsteins and ratios 

to rump height and hook-bone width. 

Body Dimension Inches Proportions 

Nose-to-tail length 102 (range 96-110) 1.6 x rump height 

Imprint length – resting 72 (68-76) 1.2 x rump height 

Imprint width 52 (48-54) 2 x hook-bone width 

Forward lunge space 24 (23-26) 0.4 x rump height 

Stride length when rising 18 0.3 x rump height 

Rump height – mature Median 60 (range 58-64) 

Rump height – Lactation 1 Median 58, top 25% - 59 

Stance – front-to-rear feet 60 (range 58-64) 1.0 x rump height 

Withers (shoulder) height 60 (range 58-64) 1.0 x rump height 

Hook-bone width 26 (range 24-27) 

Space Requirements 

Observations of cows freely lying and rising reveal that a mature Canadian Holstein cow uses 102 x 52 

inches of living space and another 20 (16-24) inches of open forward space for lunging motions. 

Several cow dimensions that define this living space include those shown in Figure 2 plus imprint length 

and width. 

Nose-to-tail length describes the measurement from the tail to the nose of a cow standing with her head 

forward. A cow has a normal crook in her neck when lying and her nose-to-tail length is less than while 

standing. 

Imprint length describes the length from folded 

foreknee to tail while lying in the narrow position. It 

defines the bed length needed for resting with all 

body parts on the stall. Imprint length is greater 

when the cow extends her front legs forward in 

normal resting positions. 

Figure 3. Imprint length extends from the folded 

foreknee to the tail. This length defines the bed 

length of a stall. 

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Page 2 Tie Stall Dimensions 

© January 2007

When resting in the narrow position, the point of the hock on the upper hind leg and the extension of the 

abdomen on the opposite side define the imprint width. This width is the minimum stall width for a 

resting cow. However, for improved comfort, most new tie-stall barns are being built with stalls wider 

than the imprint width of a cow in the narrow resting 

position. 

Figure 4. For the rear view of the cow in the 

photo, imprint width extends from the left hock to 

the right abdomen – a distance of about 52 inches 

for this cow. It increases when the rear legs extend 

outwards or the cow reclines in wide resting 

positions. 

The space needed for lying and rising motions 

(lunging) extends forward, downward and upward for 

head lunge and bob, vertically and forward for 

standing and laterally for hindquarter movements. 

Knowledge of this space is essential for properly 

sizing the opening at the front of tie stalls, positioning 

tie rails, choosing the shape and dimensions of stall 

dividers and avoiding hazards when turning out of 

stalls. 

Figure 5. While rising freely on pasture, a cow 

uses the forward, downward and vertical space 

outlined by the white lines in the photograph. 

While rising, this cow lunged forward about 22% 

of her resting nose-to-tail length. 

Stall Dimensions as Ratios of Body Dimensions 

Although nose-to-tail length is essential, it is a difficult dimension to gather. Since hook-bone width and 

rump height are easy to measure and since many body dimensions are proportional, these two cow 

dimensions are useful references for sizing stalls. Table 2 shows stall dimensions, estimated relationships 

to body dimensions and example calculations for mature Holsteins in a study herd. Figure 13, at the end 

of this document, is a drawing showing a single, tie-rail stall and several example dimensions for large, 

medium and small Holsteins. Measure your cows before choosing stall sizes. 

The standing surface for the feet is the reference for vertical placement of the tie rail and the bottom of the 

manger. The tie rail forward location is a horizontal measurement from the gutter curb. 

Table 2. The table shows stall dimensions, estimated relationships to body dimensions and example 

calculations for mature Holsteins in a study herd. 

Stall Dimension 

Ratio and Reference 

Body Dimension 

An Example 

a median cow 

Bed length = imprint length 1.2 x rump height 1.2 x 60 = 72 in. 

Tie rail height above cow’s feet 0.80 x rump height 0.80 x 60 = 48 in. 

*Stall width = imprint width + 2.0 x hook-bone width 2 x 26 = 52 in. 

* Producers are building most new tie stalls wider than this minimum width. The most common 

minimum width is 54 inches. 


© January 2007

Tie Rail or Head Rail 

A tie rail (sometimes called a head rail) is the pipe used as the attachment for the tie chain. It controls the 

forward location of a cow while standing in the stall and often acts as the water line. Proper location of 

the tie rail lets a cow stand straight (parallel to the dividers) with all four feet in the stall and rise or lie 

without contacting it. The vertical location above the bed is about 0.8 x rump height. It mounts forward 

of the manger curb and over the manger. Standing in the gutter, diagonal standing or neck injuries are the 

most obvious signs of incorrect placement of the tie rail or obstructions at the front of the stall. Canarm- 

BSM Agri (Arthur, ON), Donald Horst & Sons (Elmira, ON), Norwell Dairy Systems, (Drayton, ON) and 

MSD Stabling (Williamsford, ON) manufacture and 

sell stabling that allows adjustment of the height and 

forward location of the tie rail. The tie chain with 

snap should extend only to the height of the manger 

curb. 

Figure 6. A tie rail placed 48 inches above the 

mattress and 86 inches forward of the gutter curb 

allows medium size cows (about 58-inch rump 

height) to stand straight in the stall. While 

standing idly chewing their cuds, their poll will be 

at tie-rail height and behind it and most of their 

head will extend below and forward of the tie rail. 

Larger cows will stand diagonally in stalls with 

those measurements. 

In tie stalls, cleanliness is always a challenge because cows step forward while eating and defecate during 

the time they are standing forward. Although it has some drawbacks, a front on the manger would keep 

feed closer to cows and may reduce the reaching-for-feed and stepping-forward seen with sweep-in 

mangers. An alternative with high tie-rail stalls is to locate the tie rail closer to the manger curb to reduce 

the frequency of cows stepping forward while eating. Because of the height, there is less need for the rail 

to be further forward of the manger curb as there is with low tie rails. 

Wide Opening – Forward or Diagonal Lunge 

When rising or lying normally, a mature Holstein uses about 10 feet of space measured from her tail to 

her most forward lunge distance. The forward space must be unobstructed for frontward lunging and 

bobbing of the head. 

Short beds or stalls with obstructions in the lunging space lead to diagonal (corner-to-corner) standing, 

lying and rising. Cows still lunge forward relative to their body direction, but diagonal or sidewise to the 

stall. Since the top pipe of the divider becomes a restraint when cows lunge through it, it must have a 

wide opening to permit easy rising or lying, but be low enough to restrict passage through it. From 

mattress top to the bottom of this pipe is usually 46 inches in many new stalls. The divider also must 

have a low mount at manger curb height that does not 

inhibit the ability to lunge over it. The measurement 

from the top of the mattress to the top of the bottom 

pipe should be less than 12 inches. 

Figure 7. In most barns, the divider provides 

support for milk lines and separation of cows in 

adjacent stalls. This divider leaves about 30 inches 

of space for cows to back into an adjacent stall 

when exiting. The top pipe drops down at the back 

so a cow can easily swing her head over it. This 

style is suitable for herds feeding total mixed 

rations. 


© January 2007

Manger Curb 

A manger curb restricts the forward location of a cow lying in the stall, controls the movement of bedding 

into feed and retains feed in the manger. It defines the forward limit of the bed length measured from the 

gutter curb. 

Concrete and wood have been the most common 

materials used for manger curbs. Because of their 

height, manger curbs interfere with the normal stride 

taken during rising. However, some cows stride into 

the manger and a slippery surface poses a hazard. 

Figure 8. A cow-friendly manger curb has beveled 

corners. The curb acts as an obstruction to 

forward extension of the legs. To get room for this 

normal behaviour, cows lie diagonally in their stalls 

with their front legs stretched into the neighboring 

bed. 

It is common to build a 10-inch curb height measured 

from the concrete platform to the top of the curb. This measurement decreases to 8 or less inches on the 

cow side with the addition of a rubber-filled mattress or ample bedding. Despite the 8-inch height, many 

cows will extend their legs forward into the manger. Therefore, the curb should have rounded, beveled or 

smoothed edges. Recently, a plastic brisket locator used in free stalls has been modified for use as a 

manger curb. A flat manger surface and a wooden curb save construction costs. With this technique, 

producers attach the board (e.g., 2 x 4 or 2 x 6) to the support posts for the stall dividers. 

Manger Height 

The manger surface is 4 inches higher than the level of the cow’s feet. Although this height compromises 

a cow’s ability to bob her head when lying or rising, it is chosen to maximize foot health of the front feet. 

In barns with the manger at or below bed height, the odds are greater that cows will have sole ulcers on 

the inner claws of the front feet. The increased risk is related to changes to weight bearing of the inner 

claws when a cow spreads her front feet apart (laterally) to lower her body while reaching for feed. The 

4-inch manger height minimizes the foot-spreading behaviour and the foot problems. The elevated 

manger also reduces the frequency of cows kneeling to reach feed. 

Platform (Bed) – Length, Width and Cushion 

Bed length should equal imprint length – about 1.2 times rump height. For example, most Lactation 1 

heifers have a rump height of 58-59 inches and would need about a 70-inch bed. Mature cows measuring 

60 inches at the rump would need a 72-inch bed. For stalls with rubber-filled mattresses, effective bed 

length is the distance from gutter curb to manger curb. 

For stalls with bedding keepers and bedding kept 

below the height of the bedding keeper, effective bed 

length is measured from the inside of the keeper to the 

manger curb. If the bedding keeper is kept covered 

with long straw, then stall length could be measured 

from the gutter side of the bedding keeper. 

Figure 9. Stalls with ample width and length allow 

freedom to rest in normal positions. Because of 

longer chains, cows are cleaner from self-grooming 

and they show more visible signs of estrous. 

The minimum bed length described above will not 

permit cows to lie straight with their forelegs extended. They will lie diagonally or lie with their 

rumps over the gutter to attain this normal resting posture. However, stalls are seldom built with 

longer beds because they pose challenges with stall and cow cleanliness and the risk of mastitis. 


© January 2007

Minimum bed width should equal imprint width – about two times hook-bone width. But minimum 

width doesn’t allow cows to lay over in wider resting positions. Because of this limitation, astute 

producers are building tie stalls wider than one would find in free stall barns. A 54-inch wide stall is 

becoming common for small cows, 57-inch for medium cows and 60-inch stalls for dry cows or the very 

largest cows in the herd. 

A thick bed of straw has been the most common cushioning surface for tie stalls. However, rubber-filled 

mattresses are becoming the most popular subsurface for stalls. These mattresses still need a covering 

with chopped straw, sawdust or kiln-dried softwood shavings. Hardwood shavings or wood chips are 

unacceptable bedding materials. Rubber mats provide minimal cushioning and they require a very 

generous (3 inches) cover with bedding if used in stalls. 

Water Bowls 

Nose-to-poll length establishes the space required for access to a water bowl. This length is about 24 

inches for mature cows. Therefore, the distance from the top of the water bowl to any obstruction above 

it should be greater than 24 inches. With higher tie 

rails, bowls can be mounted to provide ample access 

for drinking and adequate space below for cleaning 

mangers. If a manger divide is installed, and the bowl 

mounted within it, it must have about a 30-inch 

opening for easy access to the water. Similar access 

must be available when bowls are mounted over the 

bed and within the stall divider. 

Figure 10. The distance from the top of the water 

bowl to the vertical obstruction is greater than the 

nose to poll length of the cows. This assures easy 

access to water. There is also adequate space below 

the bowl for sweeping the mangers. 

Electric Cow Trainers 

The proper placement of trainers contributes to stall and cow cleanliness and udder health. Another 

benefit relates to improved claw health from cleaner beds. 

Figure 11. For Holsteins in stalls with 70 - 72-inch 

platforms, the trainer should be 48 inches (range 47 

- 49) forward of the gutter curb. For Jerseys in 

stalls with 62 - 66-inch platforms, the forward 

location is 42 inches (range 41 - 43). Remember 

that they are trainers and should be located about 2 

inches above the chine for a 24 - 48-hour training 

period. After training, raise them to 4 inches. 

They can be lowered for 24 hours of remedial 

training but must be raised again afterwards. The 

trainer must have a height adjustment for each 

cow. 

Thomas Oswald, a Swiss Researcher, showed tie stalls were not any dirtier with operation of trainers two 

days a week compared to 7 days a week. Oswald also showed that 90% of all contacts with the bow did 

not happen during urinating or defecating. He concluded that operation of trainers one or two days per 

week should be a reasonable way of reducing the stress associated with the electric shocks. 

Incorrectly positioned trainers prevent some cows from showing strong signs of heat, making heat 

detection difficult and contributing to poor reproductive performance. The cow trainer bow must be 

raised to a higher position when a cow is expected to be or is in heat. Trainers must have secure 

attachment so they do not fall upon a cow and cause abusive damage. The distance between the trainer 

bow and the cow must be at least 5 cm (2 inches). 


© January 2007

The directions for installation should include the 

indications for use. For example, electric trainers will 

train cows to step back when arching their backs for 

defecation or urination. The purpose is to position 

cows so they defecate or urinate in the gutter rather 

than the stall bed. In addition, there are contradictions 

for use. Electric trainers are not to be used to restrict 

the normal eating, standing or lying behaviour of 

cows. Trainers must not restrict access to feed or 

water. 

Figure 12. The trainer is located at the chine and 

slightly ahead of the point where the back begins to 

arch when a cow defecates or urinates. The 

trainers should be located at least 2 inches (five cm) 

above the chine. 

Cautions and Precautions 

A comfortable and safe stall requires attention to detail in construction and maintenance. A stall is a unit 

and all features must be maintained to assure cow safety. 

Cows have been found in the mangers at one new barn with the higher tie rails. The stalls have rubber 

mats and straw bedding; water bowls are over the bed; and ceramic tiles line the bottoms of mangers. 

Many beds are wet from slopping at the water. For cows in those wet beds, both front feet have slippery 

surfaces (mat and tile manger) when they stride to rise or reach for feed. Could the slipperiness be the 

reason for the misadventures? At another farm, one row of new stalls had rubber mats and the other 

rubber-filled mattresses. Both had ample straw for a top cover of bedding. However, cows on the rubber 

mats quickly developed hock sores despite the owners’ efforts to use more bedding in that row. Cows 

need a cushioning surface and one with good traction to avoid injuries. Usually, cows exiting through 

stalls with high tie rails are unharmed. However, some have been. One hazard to avoid is the clamp that 

fixes the chain to the tie rail. It should be oriented so the “tails” of the bracket extend fore and aft rather 

than downwards and upwards. 

At a farm with a narrow opening in the stall divider, a cow got her head trapped under it. At another, a 

cow wrapped her front leg in a chain. On both farms, the chains were longer than recommended. They 

extended below the manger curb. The owners shortened the chains. Long chains give cows freedom to 

show strong signs of estrous. Most producers shorten the chain by wrapping it around the tie rail for 24 

hours. This prevents cows from jumping over dividers. 

Stall cleanliness is a concern with the larger stalls and longer chains. For sure, stall and cow cleanliness 

were design criteria that led to low tie rails, short tie-chains, comfort stalls, stanchions, short beds and 

narrow stalls. However, the old stalls also challenged cows through injuries, discomfort and stress that 

decreased their longevity and production. That’s why producers are trying new, larger stalls with higher 

tie rails and longer tie chains. In a recent comparison at one farm, the frequency of manure on the stalls 

was the same in the new and the old stalls. 

Diet and consistency of manure affect stall cleanliness and usefulness of electric trainers. The posture 

and the arc in her spine of a defecating cow vary with feeds and feeding husbandry. Generally, a diet of 

dry hay and some corn silage leads to firm manure - and an arc in the spine during defecation. There may 

be no arc in the spine and very slight elevation of the tail with diets that lead to liquid manure or as fecal 

consistency approaches diarrhea. The solution to cow cleanliness concerns and apparent failure of 

trainers may be feeding for firmer manure and regaining the arced posture for defecation. 


© January 2007

Figure 13. The diagram shows a tie stall with a head rail. The table shows variations in stall 

dimensions for Holstein cows - First Lactation, Milking and Dry Cows. Nonetheless, it’s good 

advice to measure your cows before deciding on stall sizes. 

(Courtesy of Harold House, OMAFRA) 

Companion Infosheets 

1. Cow Behaviour to Judge Free Stall and Tie Stall Barns 

2. Free Stall Dimensions 

Contact Information 

Dr. Neil Anderson, Lead Veterinarian – Disease Prevention, Ruminants 

Animal Health and Welfare Group, Livestock Technology Branch 

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs 

Wellington Place, R. R. # 1, Fergus, Ontario N1M 2W3 

Tel.: (519) 846-0941, Fax: (519) 846-8101 

E-mail: neil.anderson@ontario.ca 

Webpage: http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/dairy/facts/info_tsdimen.htm 


© January 2007

Tie Stall Dimensions

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