In Slovenia there are many cattle farms whose stables are outdated and do not provide enough comfort and opportunity for the animals to live out their natural behaviour. On the Strel farm we face a similar problem, because the barn is small and not functional, so we want to build a modern, animal and environmentally friendly barn. In the first part of the paper we have presented the literature review about walking and lying areas. We have also presented different types of milking parlours and some of the automation solutions available on the market. In the second part, we have prepared a conceptual plan for a modern free stall barn on Strel farm for 30 dairy cows and 20 young animals. In the part of the barn intended for dairy cows, the cubicles will be covered with rubber flooring, and the cows' walkways will be equipped with a slatted floor. Under the slatted floor there is a slurry storage with a slalom system. Milking is done in a 2x3 herringbone milking parlour. A mixer waggon is used for feeding the animals. A calving pen and a separate stall for sick animals are also included in the concept. Part of the barn will be set up for young animals, with a separate area with individual calf pens and group pens for older calves, heifers and for breeding heifers. Space for heifers will be organised in a combination of cubicles and deep straw. The removal of animal excrement by manure scrapers is made possible. Due to the tendency to reduce physical labour, some work processes will be automated in the new barn.
|
