Page 75 - Agriculture_Form_Three

Agriculture for Secondary Schools

An adult dairy animal requires an area of 1.2 m x 2.1 m while a calf will require 1
m x 1.5 m area. On one side of the main cattle shed, there can be a fully covered
shed to accommodate young calves. Such sheds with suitable partitioning may also
serve as calving pen under adverse climatic conditions. Beyond this covered area,
there should be an open area having boundary wall so that calves may move there
freely. In area with low ambient temperatures, half solid wall may be constructed
surrounding the shed.

Loose cow sheds are normally arranged in a single row if the number of cows is
small, preferably up to 12 - 16 animals. When a herd is larger than 12 -16 cows, it
should preferably be arranged in double rows (refer to Figure 4.2). In double row
housing, the shed can be arranged in a way that the cows face out (i.e., tail to tail
system) or face in (i.e., head to head system). In areas with strong winds or low
temperatures, the entire shed should be surrounded by a solid boundary wall of
1.5 m height from all sides. It is advisable that not more than 50 to 80 cows should
be housed in a single shed. More advice can be sought from your local extension
worker or other livestock experts.

Figure 4.2: Dairy cattle loose shed arranged in double rows
Source: https://i.pinimg.com/564x/d9/82/0e/d9820eae4eee3e787db92fd5fd3007ff.jpg
Features and facilities of typical loose housing for dairy cattle: The major features
and facilities of loose housing for dairy cattle include cubicles, walking area or
loafing yard, feeding area with feed and water troughs, calving pen, calf pen,
milking parlour, dry cow shed, heifer shed, crush, isolation shed, quarantine shed,
milk room, storeroom and straw/hay shed. These are further elaborated here.

Student’s Book Form Three
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