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Dairy cow stray feeding technology model
The concept of free-stall feeding involves allowing cows to graze, drink water, and move freely within a barn that is not tethered, has no neck yoke, and lacks fixed stalls. At scheduled times, under the guidance of the farmer, they enter a fully automated milking parlor for concentrated milking, and then return to their free-range area. Throughout this process, the cows remain in a state of comfort, without stress, fear, hunger, or sadness, as if returning to a more natural lifestyle. This modern approach, combining free cow beds with centralized milking, is often referred to as open-feeding or free-range farming.
Compared to traditional feeding methods that are more restrictive, free-stall feeding offers several advantages:
1. It aligns better with the natural and physiological needs of dairy cows, enabling them to eat and move freely according to their preferences, without artificial restrictions. Cows, like humans, experience pain, fear, and emotions. They are particularly sensitive and cannot tolerate harsh commands or forced control.
2. The space available for movement increases significantly, leading to more exercise and exposure to sunlight, which strengthens their overall health and improves their immunity.
3. By eliminating the need for manual feeding, it reduces damage to the udder, joints, and limbs caused by frequent handling and restraints. This helps prevent many health issues and lowers medical costs.
4. Managing cows in a centralized system simplifies daily tasks such as feeding, milking, and waste removal. It also supports mechanization and procedural management, increasing efficiency and profitability.
5. Separating cows from the milking area enhances milk hygiene and meets growing consumer demands for high-quality products.
When comparing free-stall management with traditional administrative methods, several key factors must be considered:
1. **Layout Design**: Modern large-scale farms have well-planned areas including living spaces for adult cows, milking parlors, waiting areas, calving rooms, and waste treatment systems. Smaller farms can simplify certain parts but should focus on designing the milking area and cow living space properly. These areas should include warm sheds, free beds, resting areas, feed troughs, and fences, all following hygiene and practicality standards.
- **Warm Sheds**: Each cow requires about 4 square meters of space, with a shed width of 3.5 meters and a height of up to 2.4 meters at the front. The rear part of the bed should be at least 2.1 meters high to avoid exposure to weather.
- **Free Cow Beds**: The base should be cement, with sand or bedding on top. A movable neck bar ensures cows move back when standing, and excrement is collected in an external ditch.
- **Resting Areas**: These are ideal for cows to rest and should be located in the southern part of the barn, with at least 20 square meters per cow and proper drainage.
- **Cement Tracks and Fences**: These help guide cows between different areas and prevent trampling and mud buildup.
- **Feeding Troughs and Sinks**: Designed to accommodate the cow's natural feeding posture, with appropriate heights and lengths.
2. **Classification and Rearing**: Free-stall farming requires careful grouping based on age, sex, and productivity. Cows are divided into categories such as heifers, bred cattle, and lactating cows, with further subgroups based on milk yield or lactation stage. This allows for tailored care and management, ensuring optimal performance.
3. **Feeding Techniques**: Transitioning from traditional feeding to mixed rations with long fiber is essential. This helps prevent digestive issues like acidosis and supports efficient feeding processes, improving both productivity and animal welfare.
4. **Facility and Animal Management**: With increased movement, hoof care becomes more important. Regular cleaning, medicinal baths, and oiling during winter are necessary. Additionally, the lack of fixed locations makes heat detection more challenging, requiring enhanced monitoring techniques such as cameras or computer tracking to ensure timely breeding.
In conclusion, animal welfare is an inevitable outcome of advanced agricultural practices and societal progress. It represents the future of sustainable and humane farming. By raising awareness, practicing responsibly, and continuously innovating, we improve not only the lives of animals but also the quality of life for humans.