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Agriculture for Secondary Schools
Figure 4.9: Section in tie stall dairy house
Source: https://www.ckmanufacturing.com/images/tie-stalls-banner.jpg
The conventional housing system has components and facilities which are nearly
similar to loose housing designed to accommodate different classes of animals.
Some features and facilities of conventional housing for dairy cattle are calving
boxes, isolation boxes, sheds for cows, bulls and young stocks. It has a milking
parlour equipped with milking machine as well as milk room and storage facilities.
Milk is carried either in cans or directly by pipeline to a refrigerated tank in the
milk room. The calving boxes work similar to calving pens whereas isolation boxes
serve similar function as isolation pens. They only differ by the fact that they are
moveable. The typical plan for tie stall housing has two rows of stalls. Hay and
straw are either stored in an overhead loft or barns erected adjacent to the cows’ stall
house.
Where individual pens are used in housing, each animal is provided with feed and
water trough for feeding and watering alone. In individual pen, the animal is a bit
free compared to tie stall although socialisation is still limited. Generally, with
conventional housing system, the animals are more protected from adverse climatic
conditions, can be kept clean, diseases are better controlled and individual care
can be given. In addition, separate milking barn is not required. Also, the animals
and animals’ care takers are less exposed to harsh environment. However, with the
conventional housing, the cost of construction is higher and future expansion is
limited. Also, it is not suitable for hot and humid climatic conditions unless some
modifications are made.
Student’
Student’s Book Form Twos Book Form Three
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AGRICULTURE FORM 3 9.11.2022.indd 73 10/01/2025 12:31