Fig. 18. Showing present arrangement of cow stable. There are stanchions and mangers for 28 cows, and 2200 sq. ft. of floor space in which the cows can run loose. The gates are swung into the present position when box stalls are needed.
The floor, back of the manger, is of clay, except at the door, where a small portion is covered with cement. The cows run loose except at feeding and milking time, when they are placed in rigid stanchions. It must be distinctly understood that rigid stanchions are strongly condemned as a cow tie, where cows are to remain in them all night, but as they are here used merely to hold the cow during milking, they are both economical and convenient.
Fig. 19. Showing cross section of 60-foot round barn.
Fig. 20. Cleaning out cow stable with three-horse manure spreader.
Fig. 21. Cows in stanchion at milking time.
Running cows loose in this manner is an excellent method, where bedding is abundant and sufficient space is available, as the cows are more comfortable, and all fertility is saved. There is no waste from leaching, as when the manure lies exposed to the weather. This method saves the labor of cleaning the stable, as the manure is loaded into the spreader and hauled directly upon the land whenever convenient, and the land is in the best condition to receive it.[C]