An introduction to cow-centered housing will be the topic of the next session of the Technology Tuesdays webinar series offered by the Penn State Extension Dairy Team. The webinar will be held Oct. 11 from 8:30 to 10 a.m., Eastern Time, and is free of charge. “If you are making your living from the dairy cow, then she should be central to a lot of your decisions,” notes Dr. Robert Graves, agricultural engineer, Penn State Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. “A cow-centered housing system starts with a cow-centered owner, managers and workers. While each has responsibilities and concerns that include more than the cow, they must be rooted in the firm foundation of ‘what’s good for the cow is good for the dairy!’”
Housing systems in Pennsylvania are often defined by their resting spaces – tie stall, freestall or bedded pack. “Regardless of housing type, we need to consider: Was it designed and built and is it now managed with the cow’s interests and desires in mind? A modern dairy facility requires quality design, construction and ultimately management to provide a cow-centered living space. It also should be friendly to workers, visitors, neighbors and surrounding air, water and soil resources,” Graves says.
The webinar will feature a presentation by Dr. Dave Wolfgang, Penn State Extension veterinarian, about the benefits of cow-centered housing for animal well-being and how to measure it. John Tyson, Penn State Extension engineer, will introduce a risk management worksheet that can be used to help evaluate dairy facilities.
The Technology Tuesdays webinar series is offered free of charge to dairy producers, their employees, and agri-business professionals. The webinar format permits participants to enjoy an educational program, in real-time, from the comfort and convenience of their office computer or laptop. Although there is no fee to participate, advance registration is required no later than noon the day preceding the first session you wish to attend.
To register, contact the Penn State Extension Dairy Team at (888) 373-7232 or click here. Participants must have a high-speed Internet connection and speakers on their computer in order to see and hear the presentation.
Future sessions in the series will feature more about cow-centered housing, as well as other dairy-related topics, including:
• Nov. 8 – Cow-Centered Housing Series: Aerial Environment – Fresh Air and Plenty of It
• Dec. 13 – Solar Energy
• Jan. 10 – Cow-Centered Housing Series: Feed and Water System Design and Management
• Feb. 14 – Hot Weather Management in Freestall and Tie Stall Dairies
• March 13 – Cow-Centered Housing Series: Design and Management of Quality Resting Areas
• May 8 – Cow-Centered Housing Series: The Relationship Between Flooring, Footing and Lameness
This webinar series qualifies for SmartStart credits through AgChoice Farm Credit. PD
—From Penn State Extension Dairy Team news release
