Cubicle numbers

5live

Just a quick question on numbers of cows per cubicle. I am a bit short of cubicles and when going at night to check all is well, about 10 to 20% of cubicles are empty at any one time. Should i stick with one cubicle/cow or could i go as far as 11 cows per 10 cubicle space. The cows are out once calved so it is only for about 1 month with dry cows only. Any opinions appreciated:)

theroad

Personally, I'd be wary of overcrowding especially in a cubicle shed where they can get caught under/against rails, given the amount of bullying that goes on, especially if you're dealing with cows close to calving.

whelan1

think the norm is 96 cubicles for 100 cows

Juniorhurler

I have more cows than cubicles as about six of my cows won't go into them. They lie in the passage getting filthy and resetting the automatic scrapers. Dirty wagons.:(

irishh_bob

5live wrote: »

Just a quick question on numbers of cows per cubicle. I am a bit short of cubicles and when going at night to check all is well, about 10 to 20% of cubicles are empty at any one time. Should i stick with one cubicle/cow or could i go as far as 11 cows per 10 cubicle space. The cows are out once calved so it is only for about 1 month with dry cows only. Any opinions appreciated:)

10 cubicles for every 11 cows is more than adequete and truth be told , most farmers arent even providing that level of cover

thier is always a certain number of cows not lying down regardless of whether some cubicles are empty

5live

Thanks folks. Feed space isnt an issue as there is loads not being used so bullying not a huge issue. Just trying to get my head around possible overcrowding for a few weeks:(

john62

Wouldn't go overcrowding either. Had a cow a few months back suffocated after getting it head caught in one. We have every second cubicle cut out now.

dar31

i thought i was being generous giving them a cubicle each.

blue5000

Ya 10% more cows than cubicles is ok. Try not to have dead ends at the ends of passages, this helps shy cows or heifers get away from bullies. Any grass growing down there yet 5live?

5live

Grass supply is very poor. Had a good bit closed early for sheep and the early calvers but survival was poor. The older grasses are a beautiful healthy shade of brown but the newer fields nice and starting to come along. I must go for a trot on sunday and get a good look. It was tomorrows job but dont think the waterproofs up to the forecast:D. How are things looking over in the premier county?

tismesoitis

irishh_bob wrote: »

10 cubicles for every 11 cows is more than adequete and truth be told , most farmers arent even providing that level of cover

thier is always a certain number of cows not lying down regardless of whether some cubicles are empty

+1

blue5000

5live wrote: »

Grass supply is very poor. Had a good bit closed early for sheep and the early calvers but survival was poor. The older grasses are a beautiful healthy shade of brown but the newer fields nice and starting to come along. I must go for a trot on sunday and get a good look. It was tomorrows job but dont think the waterproofs up to the forecast:D. How are things looking over in the premier county?

Had a couple of fields closed since early oct for early grass, won't be anything much on them for a month. Nice and mild though.