Although it can be considered a nuisance (just another set of rules to follow) having a dedicated AB race makes it easier on your cows, your staff, your tech, and you.
The major reason why AB technicians are not allowed to work in herringbone pits anymore is health and safety.
The risks include: trip/fall hazards (vertical bars and concrete don’t have any give, bones do!) and machinery dangers (someone can be scalped if the plant is still running!).
So, what are the benefits of a dedicated AB facility?
You’re less likely to have injuries to cows, staff, and techs.
It makes the job more streamlined and less time consuming.
It provides a calmer environment.
There’s potential for higher in-calf rates.
A race is versatile and can be used for vaccinations, blood tests, scanning, and other jobs.
How should you build your AB facility?
The most important thing to consider is the size of your animals; there is no point building a race for Friesians if you milk Jerseys.
There is a preferred angle to build the race on: it should be built so the cow’s hind quarters and the back rail are on the technicians left when facing the exit gate. The easiest way to visualize this is if you are standing behind the cow, her head and body should be facing one o’clock not eleven o’clock.
The width of the race is crucial. A width of approximately 1050mm will ensure animals are unable to turn around, and therefore avoid time-wasting and possible injury.
The race needs to allow 1000-1250mm across per cow. Ideally, 5% of the total herd size, or about 20 animals, should be able to fit in the AB race at one time. This means all cows on heat that day should fit in one row.
The top breast rail should be around 850-920mm above ground level, depending on breed and class of stock. The top bum rail should be similarly high – it should be set depending on the average height of your cows so there is no vulva impediment.
Intermediate bars should be added where there are gaps animals may attempt to get through.
Lastly, although LIC doesn’t specify your facility needs a roof over it, your tech will really appreciate a dry, covered AB race. After all, a wet tech is a grumpy tech!
Want to see how others have done their AB facilities?
Here are some examples of different types of AB facilities I have encountered that might give you some inspiration:
This is a modified race. It has been widened so the cows fit in at an angle for AB and scanning. The back rail folds down to allow easy access for technicians and vets.
This is a detached single race that has been built specifically for AB. Cows row up in the centre and provide easy access. The technician can inseminate from either side if the cows decide to be difficult and turn around.
This is an attached double race – the farmer has basically put another herringbone-style facility in his yard. Since there are two races, difficult cows can go up their preferred side and there is room for a larger group of cows to row up at one time.
