dairy cow sorting area

[Turboman]

Anybody got any good ideas for a handling area for milk cows when they go through the sort gate. what is best a straight crush, a herringbone crush or maybe both? Im thinking of having a few cubicles as well for lame cows to lie down once separated so they dont have to stand for an hour to get foot trimmed.

handling unit will be used for hoof trimming, scanning, Ai, hair clipping, TB testing,vaccinating, the list goes on...

If anybody has any photos of good setups id love to see them.

Any advice appreciated, regards Turboman

 

[Blue.]

I find with mine you have to have something once sorted to intrigue them away from the shedder as they stand in the way.

Also best if the cows have a clear flow through the shedding gate,it's no good if they stand about,everything stops.

I have my foot crush at the side exit from my shedding gate,makes getting cows in miles easier.

 

[Ballygreenan]

The new dairy unit at Greenmount Agri college went all out, with a virtually unlimited budget they went for bells, whistles brass knobs and fairy lights!! They installed both a long race type crush and a herringbone crush, as well as a series of hoof trimming crushes. From what I can gather following a visit to the completed facility and speaking to one of the college tutors, the herringbone crush is virtually unused!

Have a look at this, the handling area is detailed at about 3 minuets.

 

[Turboman]

Thanks ballygrennan. I have seen the setup at greenmount last year and it certainly is impressive. im trying to future proof the place as much as possible. I have a shed for conversion which is probably around 75 feet long by 27 feet wide as my starting point.

Never worked in a herringbone crush before. It may be handy but could take more time to load trying to get cows pushed up tight im thinking!