Dairy Farming - knowledgebase and resources

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Water intake by dairy cows

Water consumption is related to feed intake, weather conditions, and milk production and stage of lactation. Lactating milk cows drink from 80 to 100 litres of water in a day. Drinking water satisfies 80 to 90% of the daily water requirements of a dairy cow. Water usage for drinking increases with milk production levels. Adequate water system capacity and water rights are needed to make allowances for future increase in milk production. Water consumption was greater more the center alleys. So dairy owners must consider additional space and more water troughs at these watering stations.
Milk is composed of nearly 85% water. An adequate supply of quality water for dairy cattle is extremely important for dairy cattle. Farmers provide cows with free access to fresh water at all times. The water requirements of lactating cows are closely related to milk production, moisture content in the feed and environmental factors such as air temperature and humidity. The cow’s peak water intake occurs during times of greatest feed intake.
Water is the most important nutrient for dairy cattle. Dairy cattle need free access to clean, quality of water for optimal production and it must be low in saline content. Water intake is affected by factors such as environmental temperature, ration dry matter content and milk production. A high-producing lactating dairy cow can drink over 120-150 litres of water during summer season.

Murali Krishnan
srivinayakatvm@gmail.com

@srivinayakatvm

Keep all 4 sides open. Have 3 ft wall on the sides. You must have two side openings for entering and exiting from the shed and it must be sloped one having mesh type rough flooring. Plant shade giving trees around the shed. Let them be free in a controlled fenced area . Separate area for feeding and milking in a “bucklor” system. Its similar to parlor milking but the only difference here will be the cows are positioned in an elevated platform having slopes for entry and exit with locally made stalling with 2 inch thick G.I pipes, the milking will be done using bucket machines and the PVC Vacuum pipes must be around 6 feet to 7 feet height above the milking pit where the milker will be standing. The vacuum hose from that line must end in the milking can kept on the side below the cow, on the ground where milker is standing, and it should be very near to the cow standing platform. You can have small steps under each cow standing position which helps you to position the milking can at a comfortable height so that the milking claw can reach the cow’s udder . The milk tube of the milking can will be approximately 1.5 metre in length. The milk flow will also be smooth from the udder as the can is kept at a lower level. Practice post milking routines like teat dipping/spray using products like Saaf kit.

Have 10 cows on one side, Tail to tail system. The feeding manger inner space should be 0.5 metres inner space. The feeding manger must be “u” shaped and the height towards the cow standing side should not exceed1.5 to 2 feet (we need to protect the neck of the cows, if height is more, cow’s neck will get injured and the edge should be smooth and not having sharp edges)cows depending upon the breed of cows you intend to keep. The other side should have 3 to 4 feet height as the cow’s normally push the feeding material while eating, and the feeding particles must stay there in the feeding bin.

Outside the feeding manger, towards the back of the cow standing place ( 2 meters from the outer wall of the feeding manger), the flooring must have 1 % slope for the water or urine to get drained. The flooring must be of “broom finish”, lines drawn using a broomstick, before the cement gets dried up. Give back to back system - 10 on the right and 10 on the left, give 6 to 8 feet passage in the center. Give 4 feet width for each cow. Have side covers using mesh nets used in green houses during cold season.

Roofing : Split Roofing is ideal, if possible . The center must be open having a raised roofing on top allowing hot air to escape.

Water : water must be made available in front of the cows always. Try installing water bowls if possible.

Cow Mats: For protecting the knees of the cow and udder. It helps the cow’s body to be warm especially in cold climate.

The milking vacuum line can be erected at a height of 6-7 feet at the center of the passage in the center and the support for the vacuum line should be given using welded “L” angles supported from the roof. The Machine must be placed on one side away from the cow walking area. That area must be well ventilated and free from dust.

Murali Krishnan
srivinayakatvm@gmail.com
9447088234