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Dairy cow stray feeding technology model
The concept of free-stall feeding involves allowing cows to roam, drink, and exercise freely in a barn that is not tethered, has no neck yoke, and lacks fixed beds. At scheduled times, under the supervision of farmers, the cows enter a fully automated milking parlor for centralized milking, after which they return to their free-range area. This system ensures that the cows remain comfortable, without stress, fear, hunger, or sadness, giving them a sense of returning to nature. Thus, this modern approach—combining free cow beds with a centralized milking system—is often referred to as open-feeding or free-range breeding.
Compared to traditional feeding methods, free-stall feeding offers several advantages:
1. It aligns more closely with the natural and physiological needs of dairy cows, allowing them to eat and move freely based on their preferences and biological rhythms. Cows, like humans, experience pain, fear, and emotions, and are highly sensitive to stress. They cannot tolerate arbitrary commands or harsh treatment.
2. This method expands the space available for cows to move around, increasing both their physical activity and exposure to natural light. As a result, their overall health and immunity improve significantly.
3. Eliminating the use of halters reduces the risk of injuries such as damaged udders from frequent standing and lying down, or joint and limb issues caused by restricted movement. This leads to less suffering and lower veterinary costs.
4. Farmers can manage feed, manure, and milk more efficiently by concentrating these tasks within the same facility. Cows are guided to designated areas for milking, eating, and defecating, reducing labor demands while supporting ecological habits and improving productivity through mechanization.
5. Separating the milking area from the living space enhances milk hygiene and meets modern consumer standards.
When comparing free-stall management with traditional administrative methods, several key factors must be considered:
1. **Layout Design**: Modern large-scale farms typically include multiple zones such as adult cow living areas, milking parlors, calving rooms, feeding areas, and waste management systems. Smaller farms can simplify some components but still need to focus on the milking area and cow housing. The design should ensure hygiene, safety, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.
- **Warm Sheds**: Each cow requires about 4 square meters of space, with a roof height of at least 2.4 meters at the front and 2.1 meters at the back. Windows should be adjustable for seasonal comfort.
- **Free Cow Beds**: These should be covered with sand or bedding, with a movable neck bar to encourage cows to move away when standing. Each bed should be 1.2 meters wide.
- **Land Surfaces**: Ideal for resting and grazing, these areas should be 20 square meters per cow, with proper drainage and suitable soil mixtures.
- **Cement Tracks and Fences**: These guide cows between different areas, preventing mud and trampling.
- **Feeding Troughs and Sinks**: Positioned at 80 cm height, these provide easy access for cows to eat and drink.
2. **Classification and Rearing**: While free-stall systems allow cows to live comfortably, it's important to group them based on age, sex, and production stage. Cows are typically divided into heifers, bred females, and lactating cows, with further classification by milk yield or lactation phase. This helps in providing tailored care and management.
3. **Feeding Techniques**: Transitioning from separate feeding of concentrates and roughage to a mixed ration is essential. A balanced diet with at least 5 kg of long-fiber forage improves digestion, prevents acidosis, and supports efficient feeding processes.
4. **Facility and Cow Management**: Free-stall systems increase hoof wear and exposure to manure, requiring regular cleaning and hoof care. In winter, applying vegetable oil helps prevent cracking. Additionally, identifying estrus can be more challenging due to the cows’ freedom of movement, so improved monitoring methods like cameras or computer tracking may be necessary.
In conclusion, animal welfare is a growing priority in modern agriculture, reflecting both advanced production techniques and social responsibility. Enhancing the well-being of animals not only benefits the livestock but also promotes sustainable and ethical farming practices that ultimately serve human interests as well.