Erfahrungen bei der Haltung horntragender Milchkühe im Laufstall – Probleme und Lösungsansätze in der Praxis

Summary

Loose housing systems are commonly designed for cows without horns. Farmers
keeping horned herds are facing increased risks of injuries among the cows. Interviews
were carried out on farms with 62 horned dairy herds in order to collect practical
evidence on problems and suitable measures related to the keeping of loose housed
horned cows. Most farmers see the feeding area, the cubicles and the waiting area
before milking as problem areas. A possibility to securely lock all cows in the feeding
rack and an easy retreat from the rack is regarded important. The cubicles should
offer an exit to the front, which can be used by cows when attacked from behind.
Generous space allowances in the waiting area as well as in the whole stable were
recommended. Regarding management measures which help to improve conditions in
an existing stable, especially a number of adequate measures to integrate new cows
into the herd were described by the farmers.