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train heifers to cubicles

  • 07-11-2009 1:45pm
    #1
    james_lk
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭


    Anyone got ideas on how to train in-calf heifers to use cubicles?

    I have 22 fr heifers housed on their own: they have a feed passage and an access passage with 26 cubicles with Mayo mats, both with automatic scrapers. The srcapers run every hour to discourage them from lying in the passages. Last winter they were on a stand-off pad. They've been housed less than a week and are so far very reluctant to use the cubicles.

    Does it just take time? I had them with the cows in the hope of the "monkey-see-monkey-do" effect. But no way!

    Suggestions?

    Ta,
    James


Comments

  • #2
    whelan1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 11,786 ✭✭✭✭whelan1


    we stopped the scrapers and put tyres in the passage way so they couldnt lie comfortable on the ground and put some meal at the front of the cubicles to entice them to even stand in the cubicles


  • #3
    irish_bob
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,271 ✭✭✭irish_bob


    in my experience , the majority of heifers will eventually lie in cubicles even they were not trained in cubicles from they were young , on my brothers farm , he only puts them in cubicles in the 2nd winter when they are in calf and out of 85 cows , he might have two who continue to lie on slats , when i say 85 , i mean the total herd of cows and hiefers btw


  • #4
    leg wax
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,296 ✭✭✭leg wax


    just put some straw in the cubicles for a week or so and i bet it will work.


  • #5
    cjpm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,536 ✭✭✭cjpm


    Any solutions for 3 youngish cows who will never lie on cubicles??


  • #6
    leg wax
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,296 ✭✭✭leg wax


    cjpm wrote: »
    Any solutions for 3 youngish cows who will never lie on cubicles??
    larry goodman:D


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  • #7
    Tipp Man
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,025 ✭✭✭Tipp Man


    Are you giving them any meal?? If so put the meal at the top of the cubicles for a few days, its gets them in the habit of going up


  • #8
    blue5000
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 12,756 Mod ✭✭✭✭blue5000


    Can you turn off the scrapers in the passage where the heifers are? Let it get really sloppy, I've used the tyres in the passage and it works, adjusting the headrail so they have as much room as possible in the cubicle might help.

    If the seat's wet, sit on yer hat, a cool head is better than a wet ar5e.



  • #9
    james_lk
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭james_lk


    Thanks for all the advice. Heifers are doing ok. I used some nuts for a few days to encourage them to stand up on the cubicles, and put straw on them as well. I also left the scrapers running to discourage them from lying in the passage. Seems to be ok now. I had the concrete passages grooved last week also, which has made a big difference. They still act a bit nervous in the cubicles if I walk down the passage but at least they're using them now and they will calm down in the end.


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