Dairy Conversion Queries

[MrA.G.]

We are in the process of converting to dairy and are planning to start next spring. Instead of bombarding the All Things Dairy thread with questions I though I would start a thread and ask plenty of questions as we go.

For cubicles does any one have a strong opinion as to whether or not the bottom horizontal fixing rail which is used to fix a lot of the cantilever cubicles to has a negative effect on the lunge space of the cows as they rise? The other option is a post every cubicle with only a neck rail running horizontally but not all suppliers have this option.

 

[upnortheast]

Have a look on wilson agri website. Lots on there about good cubicle design

Home - Wilson Agri

Perfecting Cow Comfort Products to keep cows comfortable and farms productive Our Range of Industry Leading Products Mattresses Agri Bed Agri Gel Pack Mat Agri […]

www.wilsonagri.co.uk

 

[rusty]

I removed the lower horizontal rail on my head to head cubicles to give more bob room to help the cows stand easier. Also swapped the wooden 7 by 3 timber brisket board with a 4" plastic pipe which is much kinder on the cows.

 

[rusty]

I also looked into setting up a second unit on a rented farm and grazing infrastructure came to £300/ cow or 60k for 200. This was for big water troughs,32mm pipe, concrete sleepers for tracks and single strand electric HT wire for creating the paddocks.

 

[MrA.G.]

Have a look on wilson agri website. Lots on there about good cubicle design

Home - Wilson Agri

Perfecting Cow Comfort Products to keep cows comfortable and farms productive Our Range of Industry Leading Products Mattresses Agri Bed Agri Gel Pack Mat Agri […]

www.wilsonagri.co.uk

Wilson are made about 5 miles from here. I do like their post per cubicle option but there are a few question marks over the durability of their galvanised steel products

 

[Davy]

Wilson are made about 5 miles from here. I do like their post per cubicle option but there are a few question marks over the durability of their galvanised steel products

There was at a time but I think that's been rectified

 

[upnortheast]

Wilson are made about 5 miles from here. I do like their post per cubicle option but there are a few question marks over the durability of their galvanised steel products

Ours been in 10 years now with no issues

 

[Kingofgrass]

Best cubicles if starting from new is easy fix cubicles

 

[vantage]

Best cubicles if starting from new is easy fix cubicles

How long have you had them? Any breakages ? Ball park cost? Any installation tips?

 

[deleted user 837354]

Best cubicles if starting from new is easy fix cubicles

That looks a dream to work in.

 

[Kingofgrass]

How long have you had them? Any breakages ? Ball park cost? Any installation tips?

3years now,nothing has broke on them,similar cost to most cubicles,I installed them all very simple just takes time best tip if concreting the posts in is buy some cheap angle make a bit of a frame down the centre and tack each post to it

 

[Boysground]

Ours been in 10 years now with no issues

Same here, really pleased with our wilsons

Bg

 

[Jamer]

We are in the process of converting to dairy and are planning to start next spring. Instead of bombarding the All Things Dairy thread with questions I though I would start a thread and ask plenty of questions as we go.

For cubicles does any one have a strong opinion as to whether or not the bottom horizontal fixing rail which is used to fix a lot of the cantilever cubicles to has a negative effect on the lunge space of the cows as they rise? The other option is a post every cubicle with only a neck rail running horizontally but not all suppliers have this option.

First question us what are you going to bed on? Good dividers for sand don't necessarily work so well for mattresses and vice versa.

 

[MrA.G.]

First question us what are you going to bed on? Good dividers for sand don't necessarily work so well for mattresses and vice versa.

It will be mattresses. Sand bedding would not be common over here.

 

[coomoo]

I’m looking at plastic. Easyfix but am really taken with these.

 

[Tarw Coch]

We are in the process of converting to dairy and are planning to start next spring. Instead of bombarding the All Things Dairy thread with questions I though I would start a thread and ask plenty of questions as we go.

For cubicles does any one have a strong opinion as to whether or not the bottom horizontal fixing rail which is used to fix a lot of the cantilever cubicles to has a negative effect on the lunge space of the cows as they rise? The other option is a post every cubicle with only a neck rail running horizontally but not all suppliers have this option.

Teemore cubicles the top is bolted to a rail, bottom is raw bolted to floor so no bottom rail.

 

[organicguy]

Wilson are made about 5 miles from here. I do like their post per cubicle option but there are a few question marks over the durability of their galvanised steel products

Post per cubicle was recommended in America by Gordy Jones as it kept the cows lying straight, so had less issues with dung on beds.

 

[TheRanger]

I’m looking at plastic. Easyfix but am really taken with these.

How do they compare on price to EasyFix?

The easyfix ones were more expensive than steel last time we looked.

 

[MrA.G.]

Next question...the cows will exit the parlour and turn 180 degrees and head back to grass/cubicles. I plan to put a shedding gate in but initially it will probably be a homemade spring and rope system but as it is around the side I’ll probably have to get out of the pit to shed cows as they leave the parlour.

in summary my question is does anyone have a rope operated shedding gate which is not in front of the parlour but you can somehow stay in the pit to operate?

 

[HasthorpeGrange]

Exit form a rotary in NZ, rope was in the parlour for drafting bulling cows it could go two ways, right holding pen, second group in the second half of collecting yard and third straight forward to field