Milk Production Management & Dairy Development

Module 7. Systems of housing

Lesson 12
MERITS AND DEMERITS OF HEAD TO HEAD AND TAIL TO TAIL STANCHION BARN

12.1 Introduction

The conventional/stanchion barn system is comparatively costly, but the animals are protected from adverse climatic conditions. When the animals are small in number (up to 10) can be arranged in single row while double row system is needed for larger herds. In double row system of cattle housing, either tail to tail system or head to head system may be followed as per the preference of the person. In double row housing, the stable should be so arranged that the cows face out (tails to tail system) or face in (head to head system) as preferred

12.2 Tail to tail system of arrangement of animals

In tail to tail system, the central passage with gutter on the both sides of central passage is located in the centre of the shed. The feed mangers along with feed alley are arranged on either side of standing space of the animal.

The advantages are

1. Lesser possibility of spread of diseases from animal to animal.

2. Cows can always get fresh air from outside.

3. Inspection of the milkmen during milking on both sides is possible by standing in central passage.

4. Cleaning of the animals and washing/disposal of dung of the animal is easy for animals on both sides.

5. Detection of the animals in heat can be noticed easily on both sides.

Fig. 12.1 Tail to tail system

12.3 Head to Head System of Arrangement of Animals

The advantage in head to head system of arrangement is that the distribution of feed and fodder to the animals can be done simultaneously on the both sides of feed mangers. In this system the animals can be displayed to the visitors in a better manner. The animals can enter into the sheds easily. The gutters can always be dry as it receives more sunshine in a day. The disadvantages are difficulty in supervision of milkers and more possibility of transmission of diseases to one another.

Fig. 12.2 Head to head system