Guide to Proper Housing in Cattle Production
Housing is an integral part of management, hence it is of great importance in cattle production. Housing must be well planned with adequate ventilation and sanitation facilities to enhance production both in beef and dairy cattle. However the housing type depends on the system of production.
Housing Requirement for Cattle Production
To start a cattle production venture, adequate consideration must be given to how the animals will be housed for better management in a better environment and to prevent theft. The following points must be considered while designing a house for cattle:
The building must be sited on a well-drained and not undulating floor,
There must be proper and adequate ventilation and illumination in the building,
There must be no draught or condensation in the building,
The building must have well positioned feeders and drinkers
The building must be easily accessible,
The surrounding must not be bushy to prevent predators and disease vectors.
Housing for Intensive System of Cattle Production
Generally, cattle are housed in a well shaded open-sided structure called barns or cattle shed (Fig.4.1). This type of housing is common in the intensive type of production.
The size of the barn depends on the number of cattle expected to be housed. An average of 2 to 3 m2 is allowed per adult cattle. The house must be well equipped with feeders and water troughs with adequate space for farm operations to take place.
The floor of the barn is always concrete with rough surface to prevent skidding or falling of the cattle. The construction of the house is such that it has feeding passage with well fitted mangers around the standing area.
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Drains must be constructed for easy washing, cleaning and evacuation of dung and other waste materials. Individual pens are also used in this system of production especially for calves, breeding bulls and nursing cows.
Housing for Extensive System of Cattle Production
There is no standard for the housing type for this system of production. One of them is cattle kraal which is an enclosure in an open field or land where the animals are tethered (or tied to pegs already installed).
The walls of the kraal could be made of planks or wood, bamboo, mud blocks or stones. The animals are always housed here after the day’s grazing.
In summary, the purpose for housing of cattle must be considered before embarking on it.
The production system must be identified as this will dictate the housing type. For example the housing need for an intensive system of cattle production is different from the extensive type.
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