Diverse aspects of dairy barn design have been explored by researchers. The application of research results to farming practice evidently offers advantages for animal welfare, management and productivity. The present study investigated the extent to which research findings have been transferred to farms over the last decade (1993 - 2003) in Galicia (NW Spain). In this region, most dairy farms are small family-run operations with less than 100 cows. In 1993, barn design in the region was characterized by a questionnaire study of 150 farms, using a purpose-designed questionnaire focusing on the design of the principal housing areas (resting/feeding area, exercise area, milking area). We then performed more detailed analyses of 16 of these farms. In view of the results of this first study, we subsequently developed and distributed a series of barn design recommendations. The degree of uptake of these recommendations was assessed by studies of the same farms in 1999 and 2003. Our results indicate that in 1993 many or most farms a) were not using soft bedding materials, b) had insufficient space in the feeding area for the feed distribution system used, c) experienced hoof health problems related to inadequate exercise areas, and d) had slow milking procedures attributable to inappropriate milking area design. Design recommendations developed in response to these problems included use of soft bedding materials, increased space per cow at the feed barrier, and frontal entry for the milking area. By 2003 most farms were using soft bedding, had introduced changes in the feeding system resolving the problems related to lack of space, had provided an external exercise area, and had improved milking area design with provision of a frontal holding area. We conclude that over the study period farmers in this region rapidly adopted research-generated design recommendations, and in many cases additionally introduced useful innovations that they had devised themselves.
