Housing

Housing of animal is the most important factor in dairy farming. A good housing leads to good management practices and ultimately optimum production. The housing of dairy animals depends upon:

• Number of animals

• Type of breed of animals

• Local environmental conditions

• Finances available

• Facilities to be provided 

Some general considerations which must be considered for housing are:

• It should be less expensive

• It should be well ventilated

• It should protect from extreme environmental conditions

• It should have maximum sun exposure

• Its axis of length should be east to west

• It should remain dry

• Its environment should be hygienic

• There should be availability of feed and water for 24 hours

• It should have adequate provision to reduce the heat gain by the animals and promote the heat loss to avoid heat stress during summer season.

• It should be so planed that future expansion may be possible if required

For housing it should also be considered that animals should have five types of freedoms: 

• Freedom from hunger and thirst

• Freedom from discomfort

• Freedom from pain, injury and disease

• Freedom to express normal behavior

• Freedom from fear and distress 

 Different types of housing of dairy animals are:

• Free stall 

• Tie Stall

• Loose Housing system

Among these, free stall is the only recommended type of housing for successful dairy farming.

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