Page 154 - Agriculture_Form_3

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

environment for feeding and milking. A well-designed housing system saves
labour and improves the health and safety of animals and their attendants.
When planning a proper housing system for dairy cattle, consider the: type of
production system used, nature of the site, key features of a dairy shed, and housing
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requirements for different groups of animals. Also consider other important areas,
including the milking parlour, storage spaces, and waste disposal/management
area. Details for each of these parts are provided in the following sub-sections:

Housing and dairy production systems
The type of housing needed depends on the system of dairy production. For
intensive systems (zero-grazing) where cattle stay indoors full-time, a complete
shelter with feed and water troughs, milking area, and waste drainage is required.
In semi-intensive systems, only a simple night shelter, for example, a kraal, is
needed. Housing design in each system may vary based on space, breed, animal
group/age, and feeding method. Figure 9.2 illustrates a layout of a zero-grazing
dairy shed.

Store
Roof
Calf pen Cubicle

Slurry pit

Water trough
Feed trough Drainage canal
Walking area (loafing yard)
Figure 9.2: Shed layout for a zero-grazing dairy

Site selection for dairy housing
A site for cattle housing must be carefully chosen. It should have a gentle slope
to enhance drainage. This helps to remove waste and water quickly after cleaning
or rain. The area should be flood-free, especially during rainy seasons.. The shed
should face the wind direction to allow airflow and reduce bad smells. Trees or
hedges can be used as windbreaks to protect the structure and animals.

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AGRICULTURE F3.indd 145 17/09/2025 14:12