A farmyard design event on Dondale farm in Naas, Co. Kildare, has highlighted why good cow flow is important.

Joe and Kevin Doran are milking 160 pedigree Holstein over 280ac in a company set-up.

Many may find the Dorans familiar, considering they hosted an Agri Aware open farm event last month, as well as an 2024 (Irish Holstein Friesian Association) IHFA National open day in 2024.

However for this year's open day, the Dorans brought us through their current farmyard layout, highlighting what works as well as what need to be changed.

The event - organised by Teagasc as part of a farmyard design series running from July to September - was over seen by local dairy adviser, Ned Loughlin.

Teagasc's Padraig O'Connor talked attendees through good cow flow, saying a "good design fixes all problems" and using the Dondale farm as an example.

O'Connor firstly highlighted how the Dorans have installed astroturf on their laneways to maximise cow comfort.

He then described the importance of good cow flow, saying cows should not have to navigate blind corners or sharp bends on the way to the parlour, as they will begin to bunch which may lead to lameness.

The Dorans have a straight and wide route to the holding yard, where the cows can all fit comfortably.

They are milked in a 16-unit parlour before exiting through the race, which is set up with a drafting gate to maximise labour efficiency.

At the end of the race, the Dorans have a fitted foot bath.

Teagasc's Sandra Hayes informed attendees about the do's and don'ts of foot baths.

Hayes recommended avoiding too short foot baths, as she said has often seen cows become "show jumpers" to avoid them.

She also mentioned that double foot baths are not ideal, as the second one generally ends up full of dung after cows get a "fright" from going through the first one.

Hayes also highlighted that cows with good hooves are always at the front, while those with bad hooves who need the chemical are generally at the back.

She told farmers to consider only using the bath for last 60 cows or else change the solution halfway through milking (depending on herd size).

With Joe Doran farming this farm since 1964, the farm has undergone a lot of investment in his time, with significant farmyard development in 2018/2019.

This has led to a marriage of new and old facilities working hand-in-hand in the Dondale setup, with a great example being the Dorans' cubicle house.

The shed has being upgraded and expanded to over time to accommodate 190 cows, with new parts of the shed up to spec -such as large walkways and suitable cubicles - compared to the older section, which may be below recommended measurements in terms of space.

The Dorans are aware of the constant upgrades needed - for example, expanding slurry storage - so they always plan for the future.

Teagasc's Bernadette Bennett spoke about proper calving facilities, higlighting how good air flow, adequate space, easy cleaning, and proper drainage slopes are essential.

Bennett preformed a smoke bomb test to view the air flow in the calving shed, and recommended every farmer do one themselves in their own facilities.

Teagasc's take-home message was to remember three main aspects when designing a yard:

Cow movement;
Milk tanker movement;
Machinery movement.

None of these three movements should cross over or hold another up, i.e., they should all work in unison.