FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

When you sit down to design your new freestall dairy, it is wise to consider your choice of ventilation early on in the process. The type of ventilation used will impact how the facility is designed to produce the optimal environment for your herd.

Compost-bedded pack barns have grown in popularity in many areas of the world as an alternative to stall-based housing systems for dairy cows. Compost-bedded pack barns are loose housing barns that rely on composting manure and organic bedding to provide resting space.

Building a new dairy barn is no small feat. It takes careful consideration and planning, and it is often necessary to explore multiple options to determine what will fulfill farm needs the best.

It is assumed that the lactating group is the most important stage of production for optimal herd performance and profitability. On the contrary, dry cows and transition cows should be, in fact, the focal point of the dairy operation.

Removing sprockets and pulleys can be a difficult task whether they are on a straight-cut shaft or a tapered shaft. But while removing any sprocket or pulley, wear safety glasses and use appropriate safety items when working with these types of parts.

In an article last year, September 2019 issue of Progressive Dairy, we discussed the history of milk filters and their importance in the milking process. Although considered just a necessary commodity by some, the milk filter is actually a tool that can help improve the overall performance of your milking operation.