The Rural Voice, 2000-05, Page 32A . etp a new'
barn is something
to be looked
forwardigo but
problems can
arrive too.
Ingrid Portena cha
John Hunt about problem" �„ a
encountered when the P
expanded their dairy operitif
Moving to a new barn
brought problems for the
cows with about 10 problem
cows at any one time.
Assistance in checking for and
reducing stress in animals is
something a farmer's local vet
can provide.
Prevention is important when a
new barn is beset with health
concerns, says a Listowel -area vet
experienced in treating dairy herds.
When an enterprise nearby with a
recent larger barn and larger herd
meant to increase the volume of milk
production ran into problems, the vet
was called in to help.
28 THE RURAL VOICE
Changes in barn conditions, such
as new cement, stalls, and cattle
introduced to the herd, will cause
discomfort in animals and
consequently a drop in growth or
production. Stress and sickness,
enlarging problems that already
existed, means constant contact with
a vet is necessary.
"Some of the healthiest herds
we've seen are established ones in
older barns with newer additions,"
says vet John Hunt of Newry Vet
Clinic.
The last several years has seen an
increasing move to the larger dairy
operations of 100 or more cows. A
farmer has more animals to check
over and more problems to solve. -
In November, 1997, when Rick
and Ingrid Portena, dairy farmers for
about 12 years near Monkton, tore
down their old bank barn and built a
modern barn, they immediately
noticed a myriad of problems. Milk
production went down about seven to
eight litres per cow, and the loss
meant worry about their brand-new
92 -by -128 -foot barn and 24 -by -26 -
foot milkhouse, an investment of
about. $500,000 on Rick and Ingrid's
250 -acre -farm.
Since a new barn is meant to solve
problems, an increase in trouble is
met with chagrin. Rick reflected he
has had about 10 problem cows at
any one time, and he noted even with
regular twice -monthly veterinarian
checks, and the extra precautions they
were taking,.a cow can be down in
one day.
The larger barn, new cement
floors and ramps, and the change
from staunchion to free -stall was
harder on the older cows. As well,
Ingrid pointed out they were slower
at picking up the sick cow in the free -
stall pens than they were when