Cow Comfort
The UGA Dairy Farm tailors to cow comfort, specifically with their milking herd facility. Having comfortable cows is extremely important as it directly relates to milk production.
The freestalls are bedded with sand, an extremely comfortable material for the cows that is also inorganic, decreasing the chances of harboring bacteria.
- The stalls are also the appropriate width and length so that cows can lie comfortably, but are not defecating in their bed. The length of their bed allows the manure to fall into the alley.
- In addition, any manure that does end up in the bed is cleaned out at least twice a day.
Here cows are seen lying comfortably in the freestalls. Their rear ends are at the end of the bed, but not hanging off or on top of the curb.
Because the stalls are comfortable, the cows will spend more time lying down, relaxing and expending less energy on standing or moving around, and more energy going into ruminating and producing milk.
1 cow in particular was comfortable enough that she stretched out her legs while she slept.
The cows also have ample access to feed and water as the feed bunk space is at least 35" per cow and the minimum is 18-30" per cow. The minimum water trough space is 3.11" per cow and the minimum is 1.6-2" per cow. Accompanied with the grooved alley that gets flushed at least twice a day and removing manure from the alley, this makes it more comfortable for the cows to stand at the feed bunk. This is especially important because a cow that is not eating is not producing milk.
The water trough and feed trough above give a feeling of size/space for the cows. The water is also clean, except for a small amount of grain in the bottom.
The grooved floor helps keep manure out of the alley. The alley gets exceptionally clean after being flushed.
In this picture, you can see both the fans and stocking density of these pens.
Dividing the milking herd into 3 groups decreases the amount of time that they are standing in the holding pen and they also only have a very short walk to get to the milking parlor, making the waiting time easier on their feet and legs. There are also 2 large fans facing the holding area for heat abatement during the warmer months of the year. Heat stress negatively impacts milk production, so heat abatement methods are crucual for a dairy in the southeast.
This is one of the flush tanks used to clean the rows. Once full, the lever is pressed to let the water rush out.
The freestalls also have plenty of fans, having approximately 1 foot of fan per 10 feet of bunk space which is the standard. The fans are equipped with misters that with the fans, work to keep the cows cool and keep the cows from becoming heat stressed, which negatively impacts their milk production.
The stocking density of the pens also increases cow comfort by decreasing competition for resources and crowding. Every pen has enough stalls for each cow, ensuring minimal stress. The stocking density for a pen should never be greater than 110%. It is currently:
- Reds: 87%
- Blues: 72%
- Yellows: 36%
- Fresh Cows: 36%
These 2 large fans face the holding pen and can be turned on in the warmer months to help with heat abatement.
The walk from her bed to the milking parlor is especially short for this cow.