Beef Cow Pen and Bunk Spacing Requirements

By Nathan G. Briggs

There are some key points to consider when designing a new beef cow barn, or when retrofitting an older barn to handle mature beef cows. Overcrowding is a concern when housing any animals in confinement. For beef cattle, there is a hierarchy, or a pecking order, which can reduce feed consumption in those cows that fall lower in the hierarchy. Cows lower in the hierarchy often include young, growing heifers that need additional nutrients. To maximize cow health and performance of all mature beef cows, it is important to ensure that they have adequate pen and bunk space.

Animal housing requirements, both pen size and linear bunk space, are published for all animals in the FASS Guidelines for Animal Care and Use (FASS, 2020) and are summarized below for breeding beef cattle.

Space Requirements

Breeding cattle space requirements differ depending on housing type, mature body weight, and feed management. When designing a lot or barn, maximize the space within a given range. A key to successful planning is anticipating business growth (ie. increasing the cow herd). Calculate animal pen and bunk space requirements and be sure to allow room for growth, without compromising cattle condition or performance. Table 1 outlines spacing requirements for bred heifers, mature cows, and bulls.