U današnjim uvjetima intenzivne proizvodnje od neobične je važnosti osigurati životinjama što prirodniji stajski okoliš u kojemu će njihove vitalne i proizvodne funkcije doći do punog izražaja. Da bi mliječne krave izrazile svoj puni proizvodni potencijal potrebno im je osigurati optimalan smještaj i ambijentalne uvjete. Njihov smještaj u stajama može biti vezani i slobodni i svaki od njih ima svoje prednosti i nedostatke. Bez obzira na način smještaja od velike je važnosti dimenzija ležišta i nasteljenost. Udoban i kvalitetan ležaj omogućuje kravama dugo vremensko razdoblje odmaranja i preživanja, što povoljno utječe na njihovo zdravlje i mliječnost. Osim toga, udoban ležaj preventiva je bolesti nogu (hromosti, laminitisa i sl.). Dobra mikroklima u objektu, uz ostale važne čimbenike, preduvjet je uspješnog uzgoja. Važni čimbenici mikroklime su temperaturno-vlažni odnosi, strujanje zraka, osvijetljenost i zračna onečišćenja od kojih su najvažniji sadržaj amonijaka, ugljičnog dioksida, prašine i mikroorganizama. Ukoliko smještaj i ambijentalne prilike nisu prikladni, mogu nastati razne ozljede (nagaz repova i vimena, lomova ekstremiteta, respiratornih i probavnih smetnji i neprihvatljivih oblika ponašanja poput frustracija i stereotipija). Zbog toga je potrebno mliječnim kravama osigurati uvjete za zadovoljavanje njihovih fizioloških i socijalnih potreba i činiti sve u skladu s onim što životinja osjeća. Dobrobit se može opisati kao veoma dobra, ako su životinje u dobroj formi i zdrave i ako se osjećaju dobro i da ne pate. In today’s conditions of intensive production, it is of the utmost importance to provide animals with as natural a barn environment as possible, where their vital and production functions will be fully expressed. In order for dairy cows to express their full production potential, they need to be provided with optimal housing and ambient conditions. Their housing in stables can be tied or free, and each method has its advantages and disadvantages. Regardless of the method of accommodation, the size of the bed and its arrangement are of great importance. A comfortable and high-quality bed enables cows to rest and ruminate for a long period of time, which has a favourable effect on their health and milk secretion. In addition, a comfortable bed is a preventive measure against leg diseases, such as lameness, laminitis, etc. A good microclimate in the facility, along with other important factors, is a prerequisite for successful production. Important factors of the microclimate are temperature-humidity relations, air flow, lighting and air pollution, the most important of which are the content of ammonia, carbon dioxide, dust and microorganisms. If the housing and ambient conditions are not suitable, various injuries can occur, such as stepping on tails and udders, limb fractures, respiratory anddigestive disorders, and unacceptable forms of behaviour, such as frustrations and stereotypies. For this reason, it is necessary to ensure the physiological and social needs of dairy cows and to act in accordance with what the animal feels. Accordingly, welfare can be described as very good if the animals are in good shape and healthy, and if they feel well and are without suffering.