Calving 2020: Advice and Help thread

Lime Tree Farm

I am getting into prep mode - and putting together a collection of necessaries - I must check the ropes and colostrum bag after reading this article.

"Quite often, I see these with the tube looking black from the mould that has grown inside during the “off-season”."

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/farming/we-must-always-remember-that-these-calves-are-the-same-as-babies-975467.html

K.G.

Thinking of putting together a workstation for calving/calf management. The main driver is its a suitable central location and take this kind a stuff out of the dairy.it would tags,ropes,iodine,stomach tube,bucket for milking colostrum, barrel for feeding calves pump and pipe.i already have figured out how to pipe milk there and cold water and wash down pump water but the thing im struggling with is hot water.it would be almost 80 ft of pipe ti get it there from dairy and i d lose to much heat with small bits of water.also i nearly need what hot water i have in the dairy and two heaters would put pressure on wires so i was thinking along the lines of an instant gas geyser.anyone have one and where did ye get it

mr.stonewall

K.G. wrote: »

Thinking of putting together a workstation for calving/calf management. The main driver is its a suitable central location and take this kind a stuff out of the dairy.it would tags,ropes,iodine,stomach tube,bucket for milking colostrum, barrel for feeding calves pump and pipe.i already have figured out how to pipe milk there and cold water and wash down pump water but the thing im struggling with is hot water.it would be almost 80 ft of pipe ti get it there from dairy and i d lose to much heat with small bits of water.also i nearly need what hot water i have in the dairy and two heaters would put pressure on wires so i was thinking along the lines of an instant gas geyser.anyone have one and where did ye get it

Would a small under sink water heater suit if it's only for small quantities. Run pipes from the larger heaters for larger quantities and lag the pipework well

K.G.

Maybe but all water heaters would draw the good power.what im trying to avoid is overloading some time when we are milking and everything going full belt.

mr.stonewall

K.G. wrote: »

Maybe but all water heaters would draw the good power.what im trying to avoid is overloading some time when we are milking and everything going full belt.

other option is to put a small insulated water cylinder in the shed with an immersion in it. Put the immersion on a timer to make best use of night rate and will prevent a big draw during milking. Remember it will only be used for less than 20% of the year. So less moving parts and servicing is key

satstheway

mr.stonewall wrote: »

other option is to put a small insulated water cylinder in the shed with an immersion in it. Put the immersion on a timer to make best use of night rate and will prevent a big draw during milking. Remember it will only be used for less than 20% of the year. So less moving parts and servicing is key

Yea we put a timer on water heater, only produces hot water when not milking.

Lime Tree Farm

Compiling my own list based on Angus2018s post last year.

https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057944690&page=3

timing perfect for harvesting election posters!! (not that I would do that, wouldn't want to spook the cow )