Dairy Herd Facilities Designed for Efficient Production

Abstract

The major physical components of a dairy design are milking, feeding, treatment and waste-disposal facilities. These must be designed and located to provide animal comfort in combination with effective traffic and movement within the system for efficient day-to-day operation. The design of dairy components and complete systems depend upon certain management practices these will vary by climatic condition and herd size. Personal preference by individual dairymen may also influence the final selection of dairy design.

Two major considerations in dairy design are cow comfort and reduce labor costs. Cow comfort usually means dairy design which modifies the environment for the cow to improve production (milk and production). This would include shade for cattle in a hot climate or a partial enclosed barn for protection from cold and wind in a cold climate.

This paper will briefly deal with milking, feeding and waste-disposal of dairy design. A more detailed discussion of treatment facilities will be included.