Replacement Housing

|Low producers | | | | |

|Sick cows |0-4 |0-5 |0-13 |0-20 |

Management groups

Separating replacement animals into groups according to age, size or special management needs allows each group to be treated according to its needs. Plan building space and layout for these groups of animals using

Tables 2 and 3. More than one group can be housed in the same building, but allow for managing each group separately. In larger herds, separate facilities may be provided for each group. Some of the benefits of managing animals in groups are:

> Healthier animals by minimizing the risk of transmitting disease to younger animals.

> Good feed efficiency by reducing competition for feed.

> Calving at proper weight and size at 24 months.

> Feed handling ease, and proper diets according to age.

> Manure handling ease.

> Animal observation and handling ease for breeding, treatment and grouping.

> Proper ventilation and environment.

> Proper resting space or freestall size.

Space requirements for a particular operation depend on the housing system chosen and how replacements move from the resting area to feed and to water and back again. Herd size and makeup are guides to estimating the space needed for resting, but alley size, water space and bunk space must also be considered to accommodate the animals and provide an animal friendly environment.

Provide separate areas for resting and feeding. Feeding in resting areas increases manure accumulation and more bedding is required to keep animals clean and dry.

Resting space

Adequate resting space for management groups is a key factor in efficient growth. Required space for different housing alternatives including bedded resting areas, self-cleaning resting areas (solid, sloped floors) and freestalls are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

Feeding and watering space

Provide adequate feeding space, so young stock do not have to compete for feed. Optimum feeding space varies with type of feed, feeding schedule and animal size, Fig 1 and Tables 5 and 6.

Water is essential at all times. Provide at least one watering space per 20 animals. Dairy heifers need 1-1,5 gal of water daily per 100 lb body weight. Select waterers that are easy to clean; protect them from freezing.

Locate waterers on elevated curbs and in a location that allows easy manure removal around them. Adjust waterer height to allow small animal access.

Handling and treatment facilities

Animal treatment areas are a necessary part of the replacement housing system. Vaccinations, artificial insemination, pregnancy checking, deworming, dehorning and examinations are done easily and safely for animals and workers when animals can be separated and restrained easily.

Equipment that eases labor and saves time in handling animals are: