This will result in more efficient milking and milkers will have no need to go into the yard to bring cows in.
How to use backing gates
- Movement of the gate little and often is best.
- Backing gates are not intended to push cows into the dairy – they are intended to take up empty space in the yard.
- If milkers are regularly entering the yard, check to see if there are issues in the milking area which may be causing cows discomfort.
- Faults in dairy design and in backing gate control cause most backing gate problems.
- Install backing gates so operators can see them – a mirror to see how tightly cows are packed in is useful.
Design options
There are many different gate designs. When selecting a gate design, function and cost should all be considered.
Attachments to the gate
Scraping the yard surface with backing gate attachments, such as a Dung Buster, will reduce the volume of water required to break up and remove manure. Simple backing gate attachments can be made from rubber or wood and chains. See more detail on yard cleaning.
Other suggestions
- Make information on the correct use of the backing gate readily available. Consider waterproofing the backing gate routine and attaching it to the wall near the backing gate controls.
- Never tie a dog to a backing gate, they should always be tied up away from the dairy yard.
- If cows’ heads are raised in the yard, they are too crowded. This may be due to inappropriate use of the backing gate or a yard that is too small. Check how the backing gate is being used.
- Automate the backing gate switch to remove operator error e.g. use a timer on the switch which restricts each forward movement to 5 seconds.
- Install a buzzer that sounds when the backing gate is operating.