A different set of management skills is needed when managing cows inside. The varied housing types and the differing lengths of time cows stay inside means management priorities vary from farm to farm and month to month.

Dairy cow housing guide

Dairy cow housing is a good practice guide for dairy housing in New Zealand

It is designed for farmers who are planning to build a housed cow facility or who already have one and would like more information on how to achieve good practice.

It covers:

• Design aspects to consider when looking at housing system options.
• Factors affecting housed cow comfort.
• Good practice management principles for housed cows.
• Options for future-proofing your barn.
• Code of Welfare minimum standards.

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  Ventilation

  Ventilation is a critical part of good management. These videos show what you can do to ensure optimum conditions for a housed herd.

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  Cow cleanliness

  Having clean cows is an indicator of good cow comfort and welfare as cows prefer to lie on clean, dry and comfortable bedding which also reduces the risk of disease.

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  Woodchip bedding

  Woodchip pads and loose housed barns use a lot of woodchip. It is expensive, so make the most of used bedding by integrating it into your nutrient plan.

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  Shade

  Cows require shade to reduce the impact of heat stress that reduces productivity.

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  Lameness risks in housed facilities

  Find out about the lameness risks associated with keeping cows in off paddock facilities here.

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  Mastitis risks in off-paddock facilities

  Cows that spend long periods of time in close contact with dairy effluent are more at risk of developing environmental mastitis.