Source: Progressive Dairy
Optimizing cow comfort in the holding area is essential for dairy productivity and herd health. Shaun Hardtke emphasizes that effective holding area management requires trained personnel who understand cow behavior and can properly operate crowd gates to ensure smooth, stress-free cow flow. Proper ventilation, cooling, and lighting are vital year-round, as close quarters can cause heat buildup and visual stress for cows.
Rubber flooring near parlor entrances reduces hoof strain and joint stress, improving comfort and safety. Rotary parlors, which promote even cow flow, are beneficial for minimizing pressure and injury risk. Adding visual barriers to fencing helps reduce distractions and guides cows calmly into the parlor. Staff training must be ongoing, focusing on reducing cow stress and ensuring efficient cow movement. Minimizing holding time to under 45 minutes is also critical. Overall, prioritizing cow comfort through thoughtful design, management, and staff training leads to healthier cows and more efficient dairy operations.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.agproud.com/articles/61757-essential-tips-to-optimize-cow-comfort-in-the-holding-area