This Module is Focused on Indoor Facilities and Aims to Evaluate Various Aspects Crucial for Cow Safety and Comfort. It Covers a Wide Range of Topics, Including Bedding Type, Ventilation, Cooling, Winterization, Cow Flow, Footing, Feeding, and Manure Collection, With an Emphasis on Automation.
The primary objective is to ensure maximum cow comfort, prevent lameness, and allow for natural behavioral expression.
The module takes a comprehensive approach to facility design and management, considering factors such as proper bedding types to enhance cow comfort, effective ventilation and cooling systems to maintain optimal indoor conditions, and efficient winterization to ensure cow safety and comfort during colder months.
Additionally, it focuses on designing smooth cow flow and safe footing to prevent injuries and promote ease of movement.
Feeding systems and manure collection processes are also examined, with a focus on automation to enhance efficiency and maintain hygiene. Throughout the module, the importance of preventing lameness and ensuring that cows can express their natural behaviors is emphasized.
By participating in this module, Fellows will gain a thorough understanding of how to design and manage indoor facilities that prioritize cow comfort and safety. They will learn to implement best practices in ventilation, cooling, winterization, and automation, ensuring a high standard of care and management for dairy cattle.
Module
instructors
RICHARD R. STOWELL, PhD
Rick is a Professor and Extension Specialist in Animal Environment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His primary appointment is with Biological Systems Engineering and he has a joint appointment with the Department of Animal Science.