The alley width will depend on the type of equipment used to clean the alleys and bed the stalls. Cow traffic alleys Cow traffic alleys are the cow walkways between the rows of free stalls in tail-to-tail barns, and between the outside row of stalls and the wall in head-to-head barns. If the platform length is less than 5.5 m (18 ft), cows may be reluctant to lay in stalls directly across from each other. Double stalls The platform length of a double row of free stalls in a head-to-head arrangement should be 5.5 m (18 ft) (Figure 1) to allow the cow to lunge forward without interfering with the cow in the stall directly across. Single stall The platform length for a single row of free stalls in a tail-to-tail arrangement should be 3 m (10 ft) long to the outside wall to allow for lunge room but can be 2.7 m (9 ft) long on the row next to the feed alley, as they can lunge into the alley space. Stalls Free-stall widths for Holstein cows should be 122 cm (48 in.), 132 cm (52 in.) and 137 cm (54 in.) for first lactation, milking and dry cows, respectively. Component designĭecide on the individual components first, then determine how they will fit together best to form the complete plan. This is where all the free-stall barn components come together to develop a plan that is functional, flexible, expandable and cost-effective. Catch rainwater off the roof.The housing layout or floor plan of a dairy barn is the most important document in the design process. Fix a mineral block to each cubicle to limit fighting between the animals.Your cow must always have clean water. The cow should not be able to turn around in the cubicle.įeeds in troughs at least 3 ft above the ground. Cubicles are separated from each other by 2 timbers. Unoccupied cubicles are a waste of space and money.įor a given number of cows to a unit, extra cubicles are required to house young-stock (heifers) egĪ cubicle has a length of 210 cm (7ft) and a width of 120 cm (4 ft). One should construct the number of cubicles enough to be occupied by animals most of the time. This stops foot rot and abcesses.Ī cow needs space to lie down. A sloping floor will help waste to drain away Collect it outside the shed.Ĭlean and disinfect the floor every day. Clean the cow shed every day.Ī rough concrete floor will stop the cow from slipping. The cubicle should be constructed such that the cow remains clean all the time. The roof must be high enough so that it cannot be eaten by a cow if it is made of grass or if hay is stored under it. The cubicles must be covered with a roof made of iron sheets (Mabati), grass thatch or makuti. Each cow has their own place in the resting area, called cubicle. This is a place for the cows to relax and sleep during the night.
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January 2023
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