It all starts from VIC – 4dBarn's blog series on one of the most important areas of barn design

Is the deep bedded pack VIC area still relevant?

This question came up several times over the past summer and autumn, and the simple answer is: yes, it is. A well-functioning and compactly designed deep-bedded pack VIC area is not a thing of the past—it remains an excellent option when the goals are animal welfare, a comfortable resting surface, and smooth daily routines.

A deep-bedded pack provides cows with a stable surface for lying down and getting up without slipping or discomfort. However, this is no shortcut: proper maintenance and an adequate amount of bedding are essential. A deep bedded pack area does not tolerate neglect—if not well managed, it quickly becomes dirty and increases the risk of disease.

This solution also requires slightly more space, so for larger herds, a hybrid solution (deep-bedded pack + stalls for fresh cows) may be worth considering. Based on our study and hands-on experience, a deep-bedded pack VIC area works well in herds with 1–4 robots, provided that the space is correctly dimensioned and maintenance is part of the routine.

Good VIC / Poor VIC

A good VIC area is properly sized according to the cow’s production phase—is she close to calving, calving, or has just calved. Feeding space must also be sufficient so the cow can eat in peace and recover without competition. A functional VIC supports both animal welfare and recovery, while also being easy for people to manage. It’s not just about measurements—it’s also about how well it works in everyday routines.

A poorly designed VIC is essentially just a pen without proper dimensions or functionality. In that case, it doesn’t support recovery but instead increases risks and places a burden on both animals and workers.

If the required space for a VIC area sounds excessive, it’s important to remember that this area is used by the most important cows on the farm. Every square meter of a well-designed VIC supports successful calving, faster recovery, and a smoother start to lactation—none of which are minor matters when it comes to productivity.

What kind of VIC suits your farm?

The VIC area is not something to cut back on—quite the opposite. The study clearly highlighted that VIC is a key tool for supporting a successful lactation. All participating farmers were satisfied with their decision to invest in a VIC area.

There are many ways to implement a VIC, as discussed earlier in this blog series. What matters most is that the solution fits your farm and works in everyday practice. At 4dBarn, we help you choose and design the VIC that’s right for you—not just a physical structure, but a fully functional solution that supports both cows and people.

VIC course – when you want to make sure you are planning correctly

👉 Check out the VIC eCourse and learn what kind of dimensions, structure, and care routines make VIC truly effective – for animals and people.

📌 The course is especially suitable for those who are considering renovating their barn or building a new one. The first part is free of charge.

We will design the best possible VIC for you

📞 Check out the 4dBarn Designed service and take advantage of our experts' help in designing a VIC that works for your herd. We design solutions that work in everyday barn life.