What is the industry-accepted minimum threshold for average daily lying time (in hours) that indicates optimal cow comfort and minimizes lameness risk in a freestall environment?

The industry-accepted minimum threshold for average daily lying time in a freestall environment that indicates optimal cow comfort and minimizes lameness risk is 12 hours. Lying time refers to the total duration, measured over a 24-hour period, that a dairy cow spends resting in a recumbent position. In a freestall environment, cows are housed with individual stalls available for resting, alongside communal areas for feeding and movement. Optimal cow comfort is achieved when a cow's needs for natural behaviors, such as lying, are met, which supports her health and productivity. Lameness risk is the probability of a cow developing a painful condition that impairs h....