How does loose housing allow dairy cows to move around more freely?

In livestock farming, the loose-housing system allows dairy cows to move around freely by keeping them at liberty within a shelter, rather than confining them to individual stalls.12

Unlike a stall barn, where each animal is tied in a fixed position for resting, feeding, and milking, the loose-housing system utilizes a wood- or metal-framed structure designed to provide space for movement. This setup typically allows cows to circulate within the shelter and often provides access to an adjoining open yard. Because the animals are not tethered, they are free to move between these areas, while milking and feeding are conducted in separate, specialized facilities, such as a milking parlour.21