Algorithms for dairy barn design: maternity and milking areas.

This paper presents a series of algorithms for dairy barn design. The aim of the study was to develop algorithms for the design of new barn areas that can added to the main barn areas (resting, feeding, and exercise) to complement barn layout. More specifically, we developed design and dimensioning schemes to incorporate the maternity area and the milking area (holding pen and milking parlor) into dairy barns. Each algorithm requires input design parameters related to the characteristics of the areas considered. The output of the algorithms provides layout solutions for the maternity and milking areas and the overall dimensions of both areas, which enables the user to assess the possibility of incorporating maternity and milking into a dairy barn composed of resting, exercise, and feeding areas. The algorithms presented in this paper allow for space optimization by using the values defined for the design parameters considered.

Algorithms for dairy barn design: resting, feeding, and exercise.

This study presents a series of algorithms designed to assist farmers and other decision-makers in the design of dairy cattle housing. Four algorithms have been developed, each for a different basic design (2 rows head-to-head, 2 rows head-to-wall, 3 rows, or rows perpendicular to feed alley). Each algorithm requires input of herd size and various other parameters (e.g., free-stall width), depending on the design; the output gives barn layout and overall size, thus facilitating comparison of designs in terms of financial cost and animal welfare. Although these algorithms have been developed primarily for small family farms in Galicia (northwest Spain) with herd sizes of up to 250, they could be useful for herds of any size, because herd size is an input parameter. We consider that these algorithms are useful tools for dairy farm planning, and they can be readily incorporated into personal computer applications, greatly facilitating their application.