Page 30—Dairy of Dleflnctlon Supplement to Lancaster Farming, Saturday, July 27, 1996 Treating Special Cows Special Dairy farms with high-producing herds learn to accommodate the indivi dual needs of each cow. The period of time before calving, at calving, and following calving are very important for a successful lactation. Modem dairies develop facilities that allow them to meet the demands of these cows with special needs. For best performance, the feed ration of the cow may be altered several times during the dry period, and just before and immediately after calving. Observing individual cow feed intake and behavior also may be important. For maximum cow comfort, care and productivity all dairy farms need to have a plan and facilities for meeting the individual needs of each cow. How do you care for special cows on your farm? Characteristics of the close-up/matemity/post-fresh pen bam; • Individual cow pens have water, a stanchion and feeding facilities • Gates between pens open for access during difficult calvings • Provides drive through TMR wagon feeding • Gates between pens can be left open to allow for larger group pens • Individual pen can be cleaned by hand or with a small skid-steer loader • Tractor access allows for cleaning from end of bam • Animal handling lane along back of pens allows one person to move cows • Gates are located and hinged to direct cows in and out of pens and into stanchions • Allows for individual cow observation and feeding ' • Labor is required to keep pen clean and to add bedding during long term stays. A close-up cow is placed in an individual pen before calving. While in the pen. each cow is fed individually, making it easy to identify eating habits. During calving, gates can be opened to expand the area available for assisted calvings. The fresh cow is kept in the pen and closely observed for as long as desired. The access alley allows individual cows to be taken easi ly to the milking parlor. When the cow no longer needs special attention, she is moved to the milking herd. Characteristics of the close-up/matemity/post-fresh freestall bam: • Separate bedded pack area for small group of close up cows Dairy of m Distinction I f w