Research and field experience tell us that an important design principle is to provide more than adequate access to feed and resting space for transition cows. Extra feed and resting space and wider traffic lanes all help provide optimal cow comfort and minimize the typical reduction in dry matter intake that occurs as cows go through the calving period.
On the flip side, inadequate feeding and resting space can result in metabolic problems, injuries and stress that keep the cows from entering the milking herd at the appropriate time and in the best condition possible. To help achieve the best transition cow health possible, UW-Extension Dairy Engineer David Kammel & Dr. Gordie Jones shares nine crucial design considerations for transition cows.
- Freestall space
- Group bedded pen space
- Individual bedded pen space
- Feed space
- Walking space
- Water space and location
- Freestall pen designs
- Group bedded pen design
- Individual bedded calving pen design
Source:uwex.edu