It is crucial that the cows are comfortable as it will increase productivity and have better health. Here are 8 cow comfort tips:
1) Ensure sufficient space
The general rule is to have bigger space for mature dairy cows as they are bigger in size.
This would enable the cows for resting, eating, drinking and walking.
2) Less stress
Providing the cows a low stress environment will help to increase production.
When the cows are happier, they are healthier as well.
3) Design the facilities for cows, not employees
When designing the barn, make sure it caters to the needs of the cows as the main focus.
Good barn design will produce healthier cows, which in turn increases productivity.
4) Feeding balanced diet
Work with your vet and nutritionist to ensure a balanced diet is fed to the cows.
This will ensure sufficient energy for the cows to produce maximum amount of milk.
5) Making sure the facility is clean
Regardless if it is walkways or bunks, it is important to make sure they are in tidy and clean condition.
This will improve the cow's overall health and performance.
6) Proper ventilation
When cows produce milk, heat is generated.
Good ventilation will help to prevent heat stress.
Heat stress is one of the culprit that decreases performance of the cows.
7) Prevention is better than cure
Do not wait for the cows to fall sick to start treating them right.
Ensure proper nutrition, vitamins, minerals are provided to the cows.
This will enable the cows to be in peak condition, producing more milk, increasing profitability for the farm.
8) Rewarding herd longevity
Having 10 + year old cows still producing milk is a fantastic scenario.
Strive to have a herd that still produces milk for a long period of time.