Ventilation in cow housing

A ventilation system must bring fresh air into the building through planned openings, blend outer and inner air thoroughly, absorb heat, moisture and air impurities and reduce temperature, humidity and pollution levels. It must also allow moist, polluted air out of the building. If the ventilation system does not comply with these requirements, the ventilation in the building is insufficient.

Natural ventilation
Buildings can be ventilated by using temperature and wind force, and the aim is to combine these forces.

Temperature forces develop because of temperature differences between the inner and outer air. It causes differences in the density of air, resulting in an exchange between inner and outer air if ventilation openings are provided at different heights.

more...

Basic principles of biosecurity (Part 1)

Dairy farm workers provide the first line of defence in keeping dairy cows healthy and content. An important part of those efforts is biosecurity, which refers to the protection of health through the avoidance of disease.

There are four basic goals for any farm’s biosecurity programme:
1. Prevent the spread of disease, both onto the farm and between animals on the farm.
2. Improve animal welfare by keeping the animals healthy.
3. Identify the disease early if it gets on the farm.
4. Protect the safety of the food supply.

For these goals to be achievable, a farm worker must understand how diseases spread. Direct transfer of disease occurs when one animal transmits it to another.

more...

Good hygiene practices on dairy farms are important to guarantee the safety of its products. On-farm food safety programmes are essential to ensure the effective management of the food safety risks associated with milk harvesting.

The management of hazards from microbiological, chemical or physical sources must be documented in food safety programmes detailing good farm management practices.

Milking sheds
The dairy must not be used for any purpose that may compromise food safety. The construction, maintenance and use of the milking shed, vat and equipment must protect milk from contamination during milking, storage and collection.

more...