measured from metal structures
interconnected by the neutral to
different earth points although all
of these metallic structures con
nected to the neutral will be at
almost the same voltage level.”
The researchers explained
although the stall framework, cow
contact equipment and milk
pipeline system are bonded with
the neutral at the service entrance,
the floor grate over the manure
gutter, the reinforcing steel in the
cow platform and the milker’s pit,
and the stall support posts may be
in direct contact with earth under
the parlor a different potential
level.
“Different surfaces in the parlor
or electrically discontinuous parts
of the stall and milking system can
all be grounded yet can be at
different voltage potentials,” they
said, “Current can flow through an
animal touching different voltage
points (hooves standing on earthed
Agriculture
plays a vital role
in the growth, econoi
and productio
nation. We’re proud to
Stray voltage
(Continued from Page A 26)
parts and body contact with metal
feeder, milking equipment and
stall frames).”
“The milker usually is not aware
of this small voltage because he is
well-insulated by rubber boots and
has a higher resistance (less ef
fective) hand electrical contact to
the metal. The animal, with moist
and sensitive mouth, hooves, and
udder, is a good path for electical
current,” the researchers noted.
“Some dairymen have detected
such voltages when fresh cuts on
the hand have exposed sensitive
nerve ends.”
According to Shenk, cows suf
fering the anxiety of stray voltage
in the milking parlor or stanchion
stall tend to hold up 5 to 20 percent
of their milk. This withdrawal of
milk letdown, he suggested, can
lead to mastitis where subclinical
problems are lurking.
“The stray voltage distorts the
teat, causing the sphincter muscle
SPER3Y=4*r\EW HOLLAfSD
to invert. This damage lasts for the
entire lactation, and in some cows
the inversion won’t turn back,”
says Shenk. “This opens the teat
end to accept outside bacteria
through the streak canal. ”
Once a dairy producer has
eliminated all the usual causes for
nervous cows with low production,
how can the farmer check for stray
voltage?
According to Shenk, stray
voltage detection falls back into
the dealers lap, although the
majority of dealers are not
familiar with the problem yet.
Other stray voltage detectives
might also include electric com
pany technicians, county agents,
and electrical contractors.
Instead of a magnifying glass,
these detectives study the problem
with a multi-range volt
meter/milliameter, measuring
different voltage potentials, from
bulk tank to floor dram, drinking
cup to gutter grate, etc.
Shenk notes electrical codes
allow a 3 to 4 volt tolerant level.
“But, we’ve got problems if we get
Y*
1 5s9SSBH9S9B&fii?
fM 1 *gap
25. ml -
or all the
hardworking people
in the agri-business...
to see this industry get
the recognition it deserves!
A DIVISION OF THE SPERRY CORPORATION
Lancaster Farming, Saturday, March 14,19 f I—A27
a 0.3 volt reading when measuring
the different plane levels in a
parlor,” he says.
What can be done if stray voltage
is above the levels felt to be
tolerated by dairy cows?
According to Shenk, rewiring
will solve the problems of 75
percent of the stray voltage in
cidence. This rewinng will insure
Water eonservation
kit available
LEBANON - More than 50
homeowners, municipality of
ficials, fanners, and well drillers
turned out recently for the
Lebanon County Rural Develop
ment Committee meeting.
Highlighting the program was a
talk by Tom Fiddler of the Penn
sylvania Department of En
vironmental Resources, providing
tips on how to conserve water. He
announced the availability of a
water conservation kit through
proper grounds and mil bond the
various surfaces in the milking
area to the grounding conductor to
create one voltage plane.
In some cases, it may be
necessary for the farmer to invest
in an isolating transformer,
purchased from the power com
pany, to correct the problem.
D.E.R. designed to save water m
the bath and kitchen.
The kit includes a plastic bag
which holds 3 to 4 quarts of water.
According to the D.E.R.
spokesman, the kit can save about
200 gallons of water every day. The
kit costs only 50 cents.
To order the kits, wnte Water
Conservation Kit, Box 1467,
Evangelical Press Building,
Harrisburg, PA 17120, or contact
the local Conservation District
office.
GETTYSBURG AREA
TAM SERVICES, INC.
Formerly Reedy Bros., lire.
RD 4 Gettysburg, PA
717-334-3710