What dairy farmers need to know about cubicle housing detailed in new booklet

Cubicle housing needs to meet three key parameters: adequate space per cow; comfortable and clean cubicles; and provide adequate feed space per cow. 

Teagasc has published a new booklet with key information that dairy farmers need to know about cubicle housing. 

Cubicles are by far the housing system of choice for dairy cows in Ireland, according to Teagasc. 

The authors of the booklet are Tom Fallon, farm buildings and infrastructure specialist with Teagasc and Francis Quigley, Teagasc farm machinery and milking machine specialist.

They advise any farmers thinking of adapting existing, or building new winter accommodation for dairy cows to read the booklet.

"It is important to think long-term because cubicle houses are typically in operation for over 40 years," Tom Fallon said.

"Most farmers appreciate the importance of providing adequate space in the passageways of cubicle houses. 

"It is also important to meet the needs of cows by providing adequately sized cubicles and avoiding the temptation of trying to squeeze too many cubicles into new sheds."

Cubicle housing needs to meet three key parameters: adequate space per cow; comfortable and clean cubicles; and provide adequate feed space per cow. 

There needs to be at least one cubicle space available per cow.