Cubicle and cowshed

The cubicle design with horizontally floating limit parts and a central free space guides cows to lie straight, addressing comfort and soiling issues in conventional cubicles by ensuring proper posture and easy transitions.

JP2025524676APending Publication Date: 2025-07-30R ANDRINGA HLDG
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2025502459
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-07-18
Filing Date
2023-07-17
Publication Date
2025-07-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional cow cubicles lack comfort and often result in cows assuming undesirable lying positions, leading to soiling of the resting area, and the transition between standing and lying positions is obstructed by existing shoulder rails.

Method used

The cubicle design features two horizontally floating limit parts defining a walk-in area with a narrow entrance of 105 cm or less, guiding cows to enter straight and lie centrally, combined with a walk-through gate providing a central free space for comfortable posture change.

Benefits of technology

Cows assume a straight lying posture, minimizing soiling and enhancing comfort by guiding them to lie centrally within the cubicle, while facilitating easy standing and lying transitions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A cubicle for cows comprising two floating limit parts (2) extending substantially along a horizontal plane so as to define a walk-in area for the cows, a lying area (S) being provided under the two floating limit parts (2), and the mutual distance (L) between the two floating limit parts (2) being at most 105 cm at least at the entrance of the cubicle (1). In another aspect, a cubicle for cows comprising two floating limit parts (2) extending substantially horizontally so as to define a walk-in area for the cows, a lying area being provided under the two floating limit parts. A walk-through gate (7) is provided at the proximal part of the floating limit part, and the walk-through gate is configured to define a central free space (W). Further, the present invention provides a cowshed comprising a plurality of cubicles arranged in at least one row, the row of cubicles extending along a cow walking passage, and at least some of the cubicles in this row of cubicles being cubicles according to the present invention.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cubicle for cows.

Background Art

[0002] Cubicles for cows are generally known. In livestock farming, free-stall barns equipped with a manure-urine passage and a resting box are usually used to raise cows. A resting box is a more or less partitioned space ("cubicle") where a single cow can lie down and ruminate or rest without being disturbed by other cows wandering around in the barn. For lactation, it is important for cows to spend most of the day (about 10 to 14 hours a day) lying down. Furthermore, it is important that the cow bed is free of excrement so that the cows do not get dirty with excrement, especially to keep the udders clean.

[0003] Such a resting box generally has a rectangular cow bed sized to the minimum dimensions required for a cow to lie down and stand up. Cows enter and exit the resting box through an entrance at the rear end of the resting box close to the manure-urine passage. The bottom of the resting box is designed to be generally higher than the manure-urine passage running along the rear end of the resting box, and this manure-urine passage may be equipped with facilities for discharging excrement. The cow bed can be formed of, for example, a hard material, or a cover formed of a soft material, such as a cow matress, or a bedding such as sawdust or straw.

[0004] In conventional cubicles, fences are provided along the two long sides of the resting box. This fence serves, for example, to partition the space from adjacent resting boxes or other cows, while preventing cows in the resting box from getting up or lying down horizontally or diagonally, resulting in the bottom of the resting box getting dirty during excretion.

[0005] The cows in the resting box preferably stand or lie horizontally forward in the longitudinal direction such that their hind legs stand or rest on the bottom of the resting box. On the other hand, during excretion, since the feces will fall onto the bottom of the resting box, they should not stand too far forward.

[0006] For this reason, conventional resting boxes are provided with continuous shoulder rails at a position higher than the cow bedding surface of the resting box. These shoulder rails are arranged such that when a cow advances too far forward within the resting box, the cow's shoulder contacts the shoulder rail, restricting the freedom of the cow to move forward. Further, in order to prevent the cow from moving too far forward after lying down, a restricting device may be provided at the bottom of the resting box. However, as detailed in NL1033422, the shoulder rails have various drawbacks.

[0007] The vertical fences of known cubicles are relatively lacking in comfort. A solution to this problem is described in EP1579760B1, which proposes adopting a floating curved shape. The curved shape is installed to be rotatable upward. The curved shape is composed of curved portions such that the ends of the curved shape are adjacent to each other to form a central walk-through obstacle (shoulder rail). On the other hand, the entrance portions of the curved shape are spaced apart from each other. When viewed from above, the curved shape follows the contour of the animal. Therefore, the free space extending between the curved shapes varies greatly. During use, the cow can be positioned under the curved shape. The drawback of this known configuration is that in practice, the cow is relatively likely not to assume the desired lying position but an oblique position (when viewed in plan view). As a result, the cow will be partially located outside the available resting area, for example, within the lying area of an adjacent cubicle. In such a case, it is highly likely that the feces will fall not behind the resting box but into the lying area. Further, when the cow transitions from the standing position to the lying position and from the lying position to the standing position, there is a drawback that at least the cow's head is obstructed by the curved shape. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved cubicle for cows. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a cubicle that is comfortable for cows, and further, the cubicle can be arranged so that the cows assume a desired lying posture (so that the cows assume a correct, i.e., straight rather than diagonal, posture within the cubicle).

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a cubicle having the features of claim 1.

[0010] The cubicle for cows preferably comprises two limiting parts provided in a substantially horizontally floating state (i.e., extending along a substantially horizontal plane) defining a walk-in area for the cows. A lying area for the cows is provided below the two limiting parts, and at least at the entrance of the cubicle, the distance between the two limiting parts is at most 105 cm.

[0011] Surprisingly, cubicles with these features have a relatively narrow entrance (i.e., an entrance having a maximum width of 105 cm), and when combined with the use of the above-mentioned floating limit parts (defining the above-mentioned entrance), not only provide a particularly comfortable cubicle, but also it has been found that the cubicle will be such that the cows will be positioned straight in the box. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it should be noted that cows attempting to enter the cubicle (generally from the urinary tract) will have to stop (park) straight in the cubicle as a result of passing through the narrow entrance between the floating limit parts. The cow enters the cubicle and walks parallel to the floating limit parts from the entrance towards the opposite end of the cubicle (in particular, up to the walk-through limit part of the cubicle), and changes its body posture from an upright posture to a recumbent posture. When the cow changes its body posture, it usually includes a certain movement pattern consisting of movements such as bending, flexing, and stretching its knees, and during the change of body posture, the longitudinal length of the cow does not substantially change. By stopping straight, the upright cow is already standing parallel to the floating limit parts, so that in the recumbent posture as well, it will lie straight and centrally in the longitudinal direction of the cubicle. Here, when viewed in a top view ("lying figure"), the area of the bottom surface covered by the cow is much larger in the recumbent posture than in the upright posture. By using two floating limit parts, the recumbent cow can easily stretch its body under the two floating limit parts. Furthermore, according to this aspect, it has been found that a relatively wide resting box can be provided in the cowshed or resting environment, further enhancing the comfort of the cows.

[0012] Preferably, the opposing parts of the two limit parts are not bending parts, and in particular, are provided with parallel straight limit parts extending with a mutual distance of up to 105 cm over the entire length direction of the limit part, so that the cows are stopped / guided straight in the box. In particular, it has actually been found that the (elongated, linear) parts where the two limit parts face each other when viewed in a top view should not follow the contour of the cow. Furthermore, it has been found advantageous to configure the limit parts such that the width of the free space extending between the limit parts (when viewed in a top view) is substantially constant.

[0013] According to a further advantageous aspect, the width of the lying area (in particular, of the cubicle cow stall) below the two limiting parts can be greater than 130 cm, for example about 150 cm, for example a width of 140 - 160 cm or 130 - 170 cm. By configuring it in this way, a lying area that is particularly comfortable for cows can be provided.

[0014] Specifically, the two limiting parts may be provided with cow guide edges that are substantially parallel and face each other. The guide edges extend in particular at least 50 cm (for example, at least 100 cm) parallel to each other from the entrance of the cubicle and are spaced apart by a mutual distance of at most 105 cm as measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide edges.

[0015] In this way, by guiding the cow over a relatively long distance to "park-in" to the resting place, the possibility that the cow enters the cubicle straight (i.e., parallel to the central axis of the cubicle) and then immediately settles into a desired central position in a straight lying posture can be increased.

[0016] Even better results can be obtained if the mutual distance between the limiting parts is at most 95 cm, preferably at most 90 cm, at the entrance of the cubicle (in other words, preferably, the distal ends of the limiting parts are at a relatively short mutual distance of at most 95 cm, preferably at most 90 cm, for example at most 85 cm).

[0017] The limiting parts may be implemented in different ways. According to a further embodiment, one limiting part or each of the limiting parts can be made as a part of a U-shaped part that extends substantially horizontally, which is relatively simple but durable and can have a robust structure. Instead of or in addition to this, each of the limiting parts can be composed of, for example, a (substantially horizontal) elongated linear shape or shape part that preferably has a length of at least 50 cm, in particular at least 100 cm, for example 120 - 200 cm, and this can bring about good results.

[0018] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the cubicle comprises a frame that couples the restraint to the floor behind the end of the cubicle remote from the cubicle entrance (i.e., the proximal cubicle region). Such a (support) frame can be implemented in different ways. For example, it may be composed of one or more frame parts, can be composed of various frame bending pieces, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the restraint can be attached to the frame in various ways. The frame can be composed of, for example, a tubular frame. Furthermore, the frame may, for example, be partially or wholly integrated with one or more restraints or may be manufactured integrally.

[0019] Specifically, the restraints of adjacent cubicles may be joined to each other and / or may form, for example, part of a U-shape and / or may be integrally manufactured by a U-shape. In this way, a particularly stable and durable structure can be achieved. Preferably, the U-shape may have a relatively large width (measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal legs), for example, greater than 25 cm, particularly greater than 40 cm.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, which may be combined with the first aspect described above in this specification, a cubicle for cattle comprises a restraint provided substantially horizontally floating (i.e., extending along a substantially horizontal plane) that defines a walk-in area for the cattle, and a lying area for the cattle can be provided under the two floating restraints. A walk-through gate is provided at the proximal part of the floating restraint, and the walk-through gate is configured to define a free space located in the center.

[0021] According to such a configuration, the cow entering the cubicle can reach the walk-through fence and, for example, stick its head into the central free space defined by the fence, providing further comfort. When the cow's shoulder touches the walk-through fence, it can be used as a signal to prompt the cow to return from the standing position to the lying position. By providing the free space by the walk-through fence at the central position, the cow can be moved to stop straight in the cubicle. By combining the second aspect of the present invention with the above-described first aspect, the most preferable configuration of the cubicle can be provided. The width of the free space provided by the walk-through fence is preferably greater than 15 cm, for example at least 20 cm, for example 25 - 40 cm, or 25 - 50 cm, and good results can be obtained by setting it within this range.

[0022] More specifically, the walk-through fence preferably consists of two floating fence parts arranged at intervals from each other (with the above-mentioned central free space provided between them). The distance between the two floating fence parts is preferably greater than 15 cm, particularly greater than 20 cm, for example 15 - 40 cm, particularly 25 - 40 cm, or 25 - 50 cm. Further, each of the two floating fence parts may be provided at a position higher than the height of the two floating restriction parts of the cubicle. The fence parts can be implemented in various ways, but preferably have outer surfaces that are non-angled or rounded and face each other. For this purpose, preferably, at least partially rotationally elliptical (for example, spherical) fence parts are used. Further, each of the floating fence parts may be displaceable upward (for example, relative to the floating restriction part) from the first position, preferably against spring force and / or gravity. The two floating fence parts may be pivotable, for example, in a direction away from each other from the first position. In this way, the fence parts can be moved upward and / or pivoted to separate while the cow is standing, facilitating standing up.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention provides a cowshed comprising a plurality of cubicles arranged in at least one row, the row of cubicles extending along a cow walking passage, and at least some of the row of cubicles being the cubicles according to the present invention.

[0024] In such a manner, the above advantages are achieved, and a large number of cows can use the cowshed in a very comfortable way, especially hygienically.

[0025] The present invention will be further described based on the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0027] In this specification, similar or corresponding features are denoted by similar or corresponding reference numerals.

[0028] The drawings (FIGS. 1 to 3) schematically show a cubicle 1 for cows. The cubicle 1 may be part of a row in which such cubicles are arranged, for example, inside a cowshed. The cubicle 1 or the row of cubicles may extend along a cow walking passage P (the longitudinal direction of the cubicle is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the passage P), and during use, it is possible for cows to enter the cubicle 1 from the passage P.

[0029] Cubicle 1 comprises a bottom that provides a cattle stall R, for example, a substantially rectangular cattle stall R (having a width Z and a depth / length M). As described above, such a cattle stall R can be raised, for example, by a passageway (or manure channel) P that runs along the entrance of Cubicle 1. The cattle stall can be formed, for example, of a hard material or can be covered with a soft material, for example, a cow matress, or can be formed with a bedding such as sawdust or straw.

[0030] Optionally, a base partition may be provided in the cattle stall delimited by Cubicle 1. This partition may comprise, for example, a horizontal beam, a cross restraint and / or a rod 12 that extends on or immediately above the bottom surface along the cattle stall R (in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of Cubicle 1, i.e., parallel to the path P). The depth M of the cattle stall R available to Cubicle 1 (measured between the entrance of the cubicle and the proximal restraint 12) can be, for example, at least about 150 cm, for example, a depth M of about 170 - 220 cm. The entrance of the cubicle is, in particular, at the longitudinal end E of the adjacent path P.

[0031] Advantageously, Cubicle 1 comprises two floating (elongated) restraints 2 that extend along a substantially horizontal plane so as to define a walk-in area for the cow (i.e., the restraint 2 extends substantially horizontally). In this regard, "substantially horizontal" is understood to mean a plane that forms an angle β (see FIG. 1) of at most about 25 degrees, in particular at most 15 degrees (e.g., about 11 degrees) with respect to the horizontal plane. The floating restraint 2 may extend, for example, slightly upwardly inclined when viewed from the distal end of the restraint in the direction of the opposite (proximal) cubicle end (i.e., in the direction of the support frame 5). The two restraints 2 are preferably equidistant from a central plane Y that extends longitudinally vertically through the center of Cubicle 1 (i.e., they are arranged symmetrically with respect to this plane). The distal ends of the restraints 2 are located at or near the entrance of the cubicle.

[0032] Below the two floating limiting parts 2, a lying area S for cows with a relatively sufficient width is secured on the cattle bed R (that is, both of the two limiting parts are above the lying area S and extend completely separated from the cattle bed R). For this reason, each of the two limiting parts 2 is preferably installed at a height H of at least 50 cm from the cattle bed R of the cubicle 1, particularly at or near the height of the cow's shoulder, or at a position slightly lower than the height of the cow's shoulder. Therefore, the floating limiting part 2 does not contact the bottom surface. The height H may be, for example, about 50 - 80 cm.

[0033] The width Z of the lying area (that is, the cattle bed R) of the cows below the two floating limiting parts 2 is preferably greater than 130 cm, for example, about 150 cm, for example, a width of 140 - 160 cm.

[0034] The width L of the free space provided between the limiting parts 2 is preferably substantially constant (when viewed from the top view). By configuring in this way, during use, an indication / guidance can be provided for the cows to stop substantially straight. The floating guide / limiting part 2 may have a length K of at least 50 cm, particularly at least 100 cm, and preferably extends linearly (particularly parallel to the longitudinal direction and the longitudinal central plane Y of the cubicle 1, and perpendicular to the proximal limiting part 12 when the proximal limiting part 12 exists, for example). Each of the limiting parts 2 may be composed of an elongated linear shape or a linear shape part having a length K of, for example, preferably at least 50 cm (for example, at least 100 cm), for example, 120 - 200 cm, more specifically 120 - 180 cm. Specifically, the two floating limiting parts 2 extend substantially parallel and are provided with opposing cow guide edges 2a. The guide edges 2a extend parallel to each other over a distance of at least 50 cm (preferably at least 100 cm) from the entrance of the cubicle (that is, from the end of the distal limiting part).

[0035] More specifically, two adjacent buoyancy limiting parts 2 of two adjacent cubicles 1 can be integrated with each other, for example, by forming the same shaped parts or the like (see FIGS. 2 and 3), preferably by forming a part of a U-shape (in this case, the elongated legs of the U-shape constitute the two limiting parts 2). By configuring in this way, a strong floating structure can be realized.

[0036] As is apparent from the drawings, each U-shape particularly has two linear elongated legs extending substantially horizontally (that is, the two limiting parts 2 described above) and a horizontal (linear) cross leg 11. The horizontal cross leg 11 extends at a right angle to the two longitudinal legs 2 of the U-shape, is at the entrance of the cubicle, and extends, for example, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal passage P. As shown in the drawing, in a slightly inclined arrangement of the U-shapes, each horizontal cross leg 11 is at the lowest position of each U-shape.

[0037] Preferably, for the U-shapes 2, 11, the width UB measured at a right angle to each of the parallel legs 2 may be about 25 - 85 cm, for example 25 - 75 cm, particularly 40 - 60 cm, for example about 50 cm. By configuring in this way, a relatively sufficient (and wide) comfortable cattle bed can be achieved under the U-shape, along with good cattle guidance when entering the cubicle. Since the length of the cross leg 11 determines the width UB of the U-shape, the length of the cross leg 11 is preferably about 25 - 75 cm, particularly 40 - 60 cm, and the length can be, for example, about 50 cm.

[0038] Desirably, at least at the entrance of cubicle 1, the mutual distance L between the two restricting parts 2 (and, for example, between the respective U-shaped cross legs 11) is at most 105 cm (i.e., the distal ends of the restricting parts 2 are arranged at this relatively short distance from each other). It has been found that such a relatively narrow entry space provided by the restricting parts makes it relatively likely that the cow will enter cubicle 1, stop straight, and then assume a straight-lying posture. The mutual distance L between the restricting parts 2 is, for example, at most 95 cm, preferably at most 90 cm (at least at the entrance of the cubicle). When using linear restricting parts 2, this mutual distance is preferably constant when viewed from the longitudinal direction of the restricting parts 2.

[0039] In the proximal part of the cubicle, a support frame 5 may be provided behind the cubicle end away from the cubicle entrance in order to couple the restricting parts 2 to the ground. In particular, the frame 5 may be implemented to hold the restricting parts 2 in a floating position relative to the cattle floor R, respectively. As described above, such a frame can be configured in various ways.

[0040] If necessary, each of the floating limit parts 2 may be rotatable from the illustrated (first, substantially horizontal) use position to a second, substantially higher (non-horizontal) position, or vice versa, to provide space for the cow to stand up. For this purpose, the limit part 2 may be, for example, hingedly coupled to the frame 5, and each hinge coupling part 15 is arranged to provide the desired degree of freedom of movement of the limit part 2. The hinge axis by the hinge coupling part 15 may extend, for example, horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the floating limit part 2. To prevent the limit part 2 in the first position from moving downward, restraining means or supporting means may be provided, for example, integrally with the hinge coupling part. The elongated floating limit part 2 may be arranged at an angle greater than 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, for example, when in the above-mentioned second position. Alternatively, the floating limit part 2 may be relatively firmly coupled to the frame 5. Further, the floating limit part 2 may be made of an elastic material having slight flexibility, for example, so that it can bend when a force is applied to the limit part by the user of the cubicle.

[0041] Alternatively, for example, a part of such a support frame may extend above the cowshed along the limit part, and the limit part is pivotally coupled to the support frame part by a plurality of pivot arms (so as to pivot upward from the above-mentioned first position to the second position). In this case, the pivot axis of the floating limit part may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the limit part.

[0042] Preferably, the cubicle 1 is provided with a walk-through fence at the proximal part of the cubicle 1. This walk-through fence is preferably used in combination with the above-mentioned floating limit part 2, but can also be provided in a cubicle without a floating limit part.

[0043] The walk-through fence of the present invention is configured to define a central fleece space W (proximal part of the cubicle) having a width indicated by arrow X (Figure 3). When the cow enters the cubicle, additional guidance is provided to prompt the cow to stop in this space W. Thereby, the cow can protrude its head from this central fleece space W, and by doing so, step towards the walk-through fence (with its shoulders). Therefore, the walk-through fence comprises two spaced-apart floating fence parts 7, preferably at least partially or entirely in an elliptical shape, with the central fleece space W provided between these elements. The two floating fence parts 7 are preferably at an equal distance from the central plane Y extending longitudinally perpendicular to the center of the cubicle 1 (i.e., installed symmetrically with respect to the plane Y).

[0044] When the distance X between the two floating fence parts 7 is greater than 15 cm, for example, when the distance X is between 15 and 40 cm, good results can be obtained. Each of the two floating fence parts 7 is preferably at a position higher than the height of the two floating limit parts 2 (if present). Further, each of the floating fence parts 7 can be displaced upward preferably against spring force and / or gravity from the illustrated initial position (i.e., the first position), making it easier for the cow to stand up. The two floating fence parts 7 may be configured, for example, to be pivotable from the first position in a direction away from each other to the second position (and vice versa). The two floating fence parts 7 are coupled to the above-mentioned support frame 5 by, for example, arms (regardless of whether they are pivotable) and held at a desired floating position above the cattle floor R (particularly, at or near the height of the cow's shoulders). The distance N between the walk-through fences 7, specifically, the distance N between the fence parts 7 and the entrance distance N of the cubicle, as seen in the top view, is, for example, between 120 and 200 cm, particularly between 135 and 170 cm.

[0045] In the use of this embodiment, cows can enter the cubicle 1 from the longitudinal passage P. At that time, the cows move straight into the cubicle 1 through a particularly narrow entrance (provided by the two limiting parts 2), reach the walk-through fence 7, and hold their heads straight (forward) between or along the two floating fence parts 7. Therefore, in practice, it is likely that the cows can stretch their bodies in the center completely parallel to the central plane Y along the longitudinal central plane Y. When the cows take a lying position (and go through the normal posture change steps), on the available cow bed R, the cows can reach the central lying position directly. In this way, it is possible to avoid getting into an undesirable diagonal posture. As described above in this specification, by using floating parts (i.e., the limiting parts 2 and the fence parts 7) that can be slightly retracted upward and / or move with the cows, the standing up of the cows at a later stage can be facilitated. In fact, it has been found that with this cubicle, cows can take natural postures (both standing and lying postures), and the rest box can be appropriately avoided from getting dirty.

[0046] Figures 4 and 5 show another embodiment of the cubicle 1’, which is substantially horizontal and extends in a U-shape formed by two straight and elongated legs 2 and a bent cross-leg 11’, for example, a cross-leg 11’ extending along a virtual circle (arc), which is different from the example described above in this specification. In this way, a particularly robust and comfortable configuration can be achieved. Further, in this another embodiment, it is provided with a suitable support frame 5’ (lower frame parts that are coupled to the floor of the cowshed and are arranged relatively close to each other). In this way, a particularly robust and comfortable configuration can be achieved. Further, in this another embodiment, it is provided with a suitable support frame 5’ (lower frame parts that are coupled to the floor of the cowshed and are arranged relatively close to each other). In this way, a particularly robust and comfortable configuration can be achieved. Further, in this another embodiment, it is provided with a suitable support frame 5’ (lower frame parts that are coupled to the floor of the cowshed and are arranged relatively close to each other).

[0047] Furthermore, each of the floating fence parts 7’ of this embodiment is located at the same or near the vertical height of the two floating limiting parts 2, for example, at the same height as the proximal limiting part. Furthermore, each of the floating fence parts 7’ of this embodiment is located at the same or near the vertical height of the two floating limiting parts 2, for example, at the same height as the proximal limiting part.

[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Many variations are possible within the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A cubicle for cows, comprising two floating limit parts (2) extending substantially horizontally to define a walk-in area for cows, a lying area (S) is provided under the two floating limit parts (2), at least at the entrance of the cubicle (1), the mutual distance (L) between the two floating limit parts (2) is at most 105 cm. Cubicle. Claim 2 At least one of the two floating limit parts (2) extending substantially horizontally forms part of a U-shape (2, 11) extending substantially horizontally, in particular constituting the elongated legs of the U-shape, Preferably, the U-shape (2, 11) has a width (UB) measured at right angles to each of the parallel legs (2), and the width is about 25 to 85 cm, in particular 40 to 60 cm, for example about 50 cm. The cubicle according to claim 1. Claim 3 The width of the free space extending between the two floating limit parts (2) extending substantially horizontally is substantially constant. The cubicle according to claim 1 or 2. Claim 4 Each of the two floating limit parts (2) extending substantially horizontally extends to a height (H) of at least 50 cm, for example about 50 to 80 cm, from the lying area of the cubicle. The cubicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Claim 5 The width (Z) of the lying area of the cow under the two floating limit parts extending substantially horizontally is greater than 130 cm, for example about 150 cm, for example 140 to 160 cm. The cubicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Claim 6 The two floating limit parts extending substantially horizontally have cow guide edges extending substantially parallel and facing each other, The guide edges extend parallel to each other over a distance of at least 50 cm from the entrance of the cubicle, and the mutual distance measured in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the guide edges is at most 105 cm. The cubicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Claim 7 The mutual distance (L) between the floating limit parts (2) is at most 100 cm, preferably at most 95 cm, in particular at most 90 cm, at the entrance of the cubicle. The cubicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Claim 8 Each of the buoyancy limiting parts is preferably at least 50 cm, particularly 100 cm, for example 120 to 200 cm in length, and is substantially horizontally extending in an elongated linear shape or has a linear shape part. The cubicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The cubicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a frame (5) that couples the substantially horizontally extending buoyancy limiting part (2) to the ground behind the end of the cubicle away from the cubicle entrance.

10. The cubicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a walk-through fence is provided at a proximal part of the buoyancy limiting part, and the walk-through fence is configured to define a central free space.

11. The walk-through fence has two buoyancy fence parts (7) that are spaced apart from each other, and are preferably at least partially in an elliptical shape in rotation. The distance between the two buoyancy fence parts (7) is preferably greater than 15 cm, particularly greater than 20 cm, for example, 15 to 40 cm, particularly 25 to 40 cm or 25 to 50 cm. Each of the two buoyancy fence parts (7) is preferably provided at a position higher than the height of the buoyancy limiting part (2) of the cubicle. The cubicle according to claim 10.

12. Each of the two buoyancy fence parts (7) is preferably displaceable upward relative to the buoyancy limiting part (2), for example, from a first position against spring force and / or gravity. The two buoyancy fence parts are preferably pivotable away from each other from the first position. The cubicle according to claim 11.

13. Each of the buoyancy limiting parts is pivotable from a first position to a second position. The cubicle according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Each of the two substantially horizontally extending buoyancy limiting parts (2) forms an angle β of at most about 25 degrees, particularly at most about 15 degrees, for example at least about 11 degrees with the horizontal plane in the initial use position of the buoyancy limiting part (2). The cubicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. For example, a cubicle for cows, which is the cubicle according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising two substantially horizontally extending buoyancy limiting parts (2) for defining a walk-in area for cows, and a lying area for cows is provided under the two buoyancy limiting parts. A cubicle in which a walk-through fence (7) is provided at a proximal part of the floating restriction part, and the walk-through fence is configured to define a central free space (W). [

16. ] A cubicle comprising two floating restriction parts (2) extending substantially horizontally so as to define a walk-in area for cows, A lying area (S) is provided under the two floating restriction parts (2), At least at the entrance of the cubicle (1), the mutual distance (L) between the two floating restriction parts (2) is at most 105 cm, Each of the substantially horizontally extending floating restriction parts (2) is in an elongated linear shape or has a linear part with a length of at least 100 cm, and is desirably part of a U-shape (2, 11) extending substantially horizontally, Cubicle [

17. ] A cubicle comprising two floating restriction parts (2) that define a walk-in area for cows, A lying area (S) is provided under the two floating restriction parts (2), At least at the entrance of the cubicle (1), the mutual distance (L) between the two floating restriction parts (2) is at most 105 cm, Each of the two floating restriction parts (2) is a restriction part extending substantially horizontally, and / or, Each of the two floating restriction parts (2) extends to a height (H) of at least 50 cm from the cow bed of the cubicle, and / or, At least one of the two floating restriction parts (2) forms part of a U-shape extending substantially horizontally, A walk-through fence is provided at a proximal part of the floating restriction part, The walk-through fence is configured to define a central free space (W), The walk-through fence has two floating fence parts that are at least partially elliptical in shape and are spaced apart from each other, The distance between the two floating fence parts is 15 to 40 cm, Each of the two floating fence parts (7) is provided at a position higher than the height of the floating restriction part (2) of the cubicle. Cubicle [

18. ] A cowshed comprising a plurality of cubicles arranged in at least one row, The row of cubicles extends along a cow walking passage, and at least some of the cubicles in the row of cubicles are the cubicles according to any one of claims 1 to 17. Cowshed [

19. ] To provide two substantially horizontally extending limiting parts (2) of two adjacent cubicles, at least one substantially horizontally extending U-shape (2, 11) is provided, The cowshed according to claim 18, wherein the U-shape (2, 11) preferably consists of two straight and elongated legs (2) and a laterally extending or bent cross-leg (11).