What to look out for if you plan housing all year round

摘要

To gain greater control over management aspects like feed intake, many high yielding cows are now being kept in throughout the year. As more and more milk producers decide not to turn their cows - or high yielders at least - out to grass this summer,Lancashire-based vet Rob Howe says opting for year-round housing should automatically trigger an assessment of cow management to ensure welfare and health isn't compromised. "By the end of winter those responsible for looking after cows are pleased to open the gates. But a growing number of herd owners believe the needs of modern, high-yielding dairy cows can be more efficiently and profitably met by keeping them inside all year round, in which case management issues become more critical," says Rob Howeof Lambert, Leonard and May, Preston.