Labour input in small cubicle dairy barns with different layouts and mechanisation levels

Abstract

When investing in new or remodelling existing facilities for dairy cows, the functionality of the facilities and the labour input required must be considered in addition to the initial building costs. The aim of this study was to investigate the labour input required for dairy work in different herd sizes, layouts and mechanisation levels in small dairy cubicle barns. Layouts from 201 cubicle-stalled dairy herds with a mean herd size of 38.0 ± 14.5 (range 17.6–80.2) cows located all over Norway were obtained. The data were merged with data for the daily labour input required for the indoor feeding season. Using General Linear Model (GLM) in SPSS, we created both simple statistical models including the different explanatory variables one by one together with herd size, and a final model including all significant explanatory variables. The required labour input per cow decreased with increased herd size, up to approximately 60 cows. Barns with AMS had the same estimated labour input per cow independent of herd size. For herds with milking parlours, the estimated need for labour decreased with increasing herd size from 20 to 80 cows. The estimate of required labour input was higher for rebuilt barns up to a herd size of 39 cows. The comprehensive variation in labour input indicates that optimising building layout, and developing good management routines and suitable mechanisation levels, would considerably reduce the required amount of labour.