Looking at options for parlour return passage on a new build. Cows will turn 180 degrees (gradually) at parlour exit, then return passage and drafting area will run parallel to parlour/collecting yard.
Original plan was for the cows to funnel into a 3ft slatted passage with drafting gate in it, which would run for 110ft back to cubicle shed. However, I'm beginning to worry about whether this may cause a bottle neck to cow flow, and what would happen in the unlikely but entirely possible event of a cow going down in the 110ft x 3ft section of passage. Theoretically I could get into the collecting yard with handler and lift the stranded cow from over collecting yard wall, but not ideal. I could also fold back the drafting area gates and access a stricken cow from the parlour end of the setup if that makes sense, but again not ideal.
Alternative would be a return passage the width of the forklift but this would involve either compromising the already tight collecting yard space or increasing shed/concrete costs significantly.
Am I worrying unnecessarily about that length of narrow passage???
Any feedback appreciated, just trying to cover all bases and hear what other people are doing. Thanks!
Original plan was for the cows to funnel into a 3ft slatted passage with drafting gate in it, which would run for 110ft back to cubicle shed. However, I'm beginning to worry about whether this may cause a bottle neck to cow flow, and what would happen in the unlikely but entirely possible event of a cow going down in the 110ft x 3ft section of passage. Theoretically I could get into the collecting yard with handler and lift the stranded cow from over collecting yard wall, but not ideal. I could also fold back the drafting area gates and access a stricken cow from the parlour end of the setup if that makes sense, but again not ideal.
Alternative would be a return passage the width of the forklift but this would involve either compromising the already tight collecting yard space or increasing shed/concrete costs significantly.
Am I worrying unnecessarily about that length of narrow passage???
Any feedback appreciated, just trying to cover all bases and hear what other people are doing. Thanks!