What are the housing ‘pinch points’ that producers could and should be tackling, particularly with the next round of DEFRA grant funding in mind? We spoke to some building specialists to find out more.
TEXT RACHAEL PORTER
Where should producers be directing future investment in housing and buildings to get the best bang for their buck? And with the current round of Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) grants coming to an end, and the focus shifting the next round in 2025, what should producers have on their wish lists to help improve herd health, welfare and, ultimately, productivity.
Derk Jacobi, from dairy housing and equipment company Spinder, urges producers to think about dry cow housing. His company’s cow cubicles are sold via Cheshire-based David R Beech Barn Equipment, and during visits to UK units Mr Jacobi has noticed that dry cows are often overlooked.
“Dry cows need more space and, therefore, bigger cubicles. But units typically fail to accommodate them and simply expect them to squeeze into beds that are designed for milking cows,” he says.
The three- or four-week period prior to entering the closeup group, which is often spent in straw yards, is critical to successful transition. “If cows are unable to lie down comfortably and easily then they simply stand and don’t rest,” explains Mr Jacobi. “This puts a lot of pressure and stress on the heavily pregnant cow – particularly her feet – which can result in a myriad of issues. Reduced mobility and poor feed intakes are just the start.”
Dry cows in the far-off period and housed in cubicles must have access to some larger cubicles that have been sectioned off specifically for them to use. “How much larger these cubicles need to be depends on the size of cows in the herd. As a rough guide, measure a sample of cows in the herd for hip width and then double it. That’s the width that the cubicles need to be for the milking herd. And then add 10cm, or preferably 15cm, to that width for the dry-cow cubicles.”
A typical cubicle today needs to be at least 1.15m wide – preferably 1.2m. So for dry cows, producers should be looking for at least 1.3m and preferably 1.35m wide. “This is something to think about when installing new cubicle housing, but it’s also possible to widen a section of existing cubicles to better accommodate far-off dry cows,” says Mr Jacobi.
“Every minute standing, for all cows regardless of where they are in the production cycle, is time wasted. So don’t squeeze extra cubicles into a shed and don’t squeeze dry cows into cubicles that are too small for them. Feet and rumination will both benefit if you give dry cows more space, and you’ll also set them up for better transition into the milking herd.”
Improve lighting
Lighting is where Cowcare’s Fred Allen says producers are looking to make improvements – and savings. “The right lighting will not only offer the optimal lux to support cow welfare and efficient milk production, but it can also help to reduce energy bills,” he says. “Upgrading lighting on dairy units can mean more light and lux at a lower wattage. Using a timer, alongside lux sensors, can also ensure that cows have enough light throughout a 24-hour period to support health, welfare, fertility and milk production,” he says. In his experience, 90% of units have suboptimal lighting in the cow house. “Lighting is seen as low priority and the ‘last job in the list’, but it’s actually really important.
“Some units still have strip lighting, or halogen floodlights. This type of lighting is expensive to run and fails to offer the lux needed by cows to encourage efficient milk production. It also creates condensation and ‘cobweb’ issues. Far from ideal in livestock buildings and particularly dairy parlours.”
He says a typical dairy unit will provide cows with 90 lux. “But the gold standard is 200 lux and it what’s needed for cows to display their natural behaviour. At 140 lux or lower risks cows failing to display strong signs of oestrus.”
Cow-house lighting should offer between 150 and 200 lux for 16 hours a day, and the other eight hours of 30 lux – ideally using a dimmer switch. “From dawn to dusk, we’re looking to mimic a bright July summer day all year round,” says Mr Allen.
“And we have the tech to do this easily and efficiently. Just switching from halogen to LED lighting can reduce energy costs by 80%. It really is possible to produce more light using less power now and, come 2025, Government grants are expected to cover cowhouse lighting. So put this on your list if you think lighting could be improved in your cow or youngstock housing, or your milking parlour.
“Consistency across the unit is important and it will also aid cow flow. Dark areas can cause bottle necks on dairy units. A light audit – and investing where necessary – could yield some unexpected benefits.”
Consistent environment
VES-Artex’s Huw Jones agrees that consistency is key: “Producers strive for it across all areas of cow management – from nutrition and milking through to breeding and calving – but the cow environment is often overlooked.
“That said, awareness is growing. This is the result of more data becoming available about the cow-house environment and how it impacts the herd. Collars, data loggers and the relationship between heat stress and milk yield and fertility are all helping to focus minds on cow-house ventilation and cooling systems, including fans.”
Mr Jones says that fan installation on UK dairy units has been supported by the Government grant scheme during the past 12 months. “But even without funding, they’re well worth the investment. The returns soon stack up for producers who really know their data on milk and fertility losses, and can see the impact that heat stress has on the herd both short and long term. A period of above-average temperatures and humidity creates fertility shock waves that can still be felt six months on, or even a year later.”
He says good ventilation comes down to creating air velocity and exchange at cow level to transfer heat away from their skin. “We’re aiming to move cooler air across warm cows to aid heat transfer by convection. The target for air velocity should be two metres per second for the cow furthest away from the fan,” says Mr Jones.
He adds that ventilation in cow sheds is more than just a summer issue. Housing is typically designed and built without considering how it will be ventilated all year round. Investing in mechanical ventilation can benefit herd and dairy businesses 365 days a year.” Fans – both vertical and ceiling-mounted helicopter designs – can help to cool cows.
“It’s not a case of one-size-fits-all and it’s vital, even if you think you know what would suit your setup best, to take some advice before investing,” adds Mr Jones. Specialists are able to identify ‘blockages’ and areas of buildings where the air is ‘lazy’.
“So make sure your installer or whoever you buy the fans from comes in, assesses the buildings and your herd’s needs and makes sure you’re going to get maximum cow-cooling ‘bang’ for your buck.”
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