HOUSING SYSTEM/ HOUSING MANAGEMENT FOR CATTLE

HOUSING SYSTEM/ HOUSING MANAGEMENT FOR CATTLE

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Proper housing based on scientific principles is an important aspect of dairy animal management for obtaining maximum productivity of the animals. A clean and comfortable shelter increases the comfort level of the animals and results in their good health. The essential criteria for housing dairy animals includes animal health and comfort, hygiene, protection from predators, theft and diseases, efficient and economical use of labour and provision of suitable environment for hygienic milk production. In the absence of proper housing, animals are exposed to extreme temperature, wind, cold, rain, snowfall, etc., which adversely affect their health, production and reproduction.

 

OBJECTIVES OF ANIMAL HOUSING

 

Ø  Protection from extreme heat, cold, wind and rains

Ø  Provides clean and comfortable environment

Ø  Efficient management of animals

Ø  Reduction in expenses

Ø  Protection from theft and attack from wild animals

Ø  Reduces possibilities of diseases and mortality

Ø  Animals can be watched with ease

 

KEY ASPECTS OF ANIMAL HOUSING

Ø  Space: Availability of sufficiently spacious area allows the animals to move freely and gives them easy access to feed and water.

Ø  Feed: Arrangements are made in housing so that animals can eat a palatable and well-formulated feed. The feed is available daily for at least 21 hours.

Ø  Water: Accessibility of clean water for at least 21 hours daily.

Ø  Air: Access to fresh and clean air.

Ø  Light: Availability of sufficient natural light and provision to maintain six hours of darkness for farm animals are essential for optimum production.

Ø   Rest: Sufficient dry and comfortable space for taking rest and lying down for at least 13 hours per day.

 

TYPES OF LIVESTOCK HOUSING LOOSE HOUSING SYSTEM

 

In this system of housing, animals are kept loose in an open area in groups, during the day and night, except for specific purposes like milking, treatment and breeding. A loose housing layout has an open area and a resting area. The open area has a covered shed on one side under which the animals can retire during excessive heat, cold, rains, etc. In this system of housing, feed and fodder is offered in a common manger and water is provided in common water troughs. The total area is protected by a compound wall or fencing of minimum 5 feet height. There is a separate milking parlour with facilities for milking of animals.This system is ideal for areas of low rainfall such as the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh and parts of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. In other areas, this system can be used after making minor modifications as per the requirement.

BENEFITS OF LOOSE HOUSING SYSTEM

 

Cost of construction and maintenance is less than conventional housing system

Can be easily expanded, when the need arises, without much changes

Animals have freedom of movement and feel comfortable

Animals get adequate exercise

Oestrus detection is easier than in conventional barn

Better labour efficiency than conventional housing system

About 10-15% more animals can be accommodated for shorter period without affecting the output

 

CONVENTIONAL HOUSING SYSTEM

 

In this system, animals are tied in a stall for feeding, watering, milking and resting. They are confined together within the shed and tied by neck chains. The barns are completely roofed and the walls have windows and ventilators. The distance between two sheds is generally

not less than 30 feet. The feed is delivered in a trough in front of the animals, and they are milked individually in the stall using buckets. The manures collected in a gutter. This type of housing is most suited for temperate regions, as it protects the animals from heavy snowfall, rains and strong winds. The conventional barns provide better protection when winter is prolonged and severe. However, there are a few disadvantages of conventional housing system, for example, if the cattle are tied up all year round, their feet become stiff and could lead to feet problems. Also, oestrus in cattle is difficult to detect.

 

TAIL-TO-TAIL SYSTEM OF HOUSING

 

In this system, the animals are tied in the shed in opposite direction. The cleaning of sheds and milking of cows is easy and chances of disease transmission from animal to animal are also reduced. Under this system, problems in hind quarters of animals can be detected easily, as compared to loose system of housing. Animals get fresh air directly and the milking process can be effectively supervised.

 

BENEFITS OF TAIL-TO-TAIL HOUSING SYSTEM

 

Ø  Easy cleaning of the shed and milking of the cattle

Ø  Less chance of disease transmission from animal to animal

Ø  Easier supervision of milking process

Ø  Animals get more fresh air from outside

Ø  Quick and easier detection of any minor disease in the hind quarters

 

HEAD-TO-HEAD SYSTEM OF HOUSING

 

In this system, animals are tied in such a way that they stand facing each other. This makes it easy for the animals to go to their stalls, and feed with ease, thus enabling better management. The morning sunlight falls maximum on the gutter, which improves the overall hygiene of the shed.

 

BENEFITS OF HEAD-TO-HEAD HOUSING SYSTEM

 

Animals make a better show for the visitors when heads together

Feed dispensing is easier. Animals in both the rows can be fed at a time.

The animals feel easier to get into their stalls

Sun rays reach the gutter, and provide better sanitation

 

EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY REQUIRED FOR LIVESTOCK HOUSING

 

The type and number of equipment and machinery required in a dairy farm depends on the level of mechanization and the total number of animals. However, some of the essential machinery and tools are chaff cutters, milking utensils and other minor implements, which are required irrespective of the number of animals.

If the dairy farm is situated in an area with extreme weather conditions, cooling and heating devices are required, especially for young calves, ill, injured and pregnant animals. In case the number of milch animals exceeds 50, milk cooling devices, generator set and a utility vehicle are also essential for storage and selling of milk, etc. If you are interested in keeping a large number of animals, it is better to have some area designated for fodder cultivation. In this case, farm equipment like tractor, seed sowing, fodder harvesting and processing equipment are also required.

 

A good housing system is a vital aspect of a profitable farming system. The housing requirement for any livestock and poultry varies with the climatic condition of a place. Housing should be constructed in such a way that it offers maximum comfort and protection. The animals or birds should be protected from direct sunlight, humidity, rain, cold and windy condition. A good housing system provide ample provision for adequate space for feeding and exercise, fresh air through proper ventilation and sufficient sunlight. A good housing system can save the livestock and poultry farmers from avoiding many diseases conditions and bring about minimal input which can improve their economic status.