Management of an intensive (Zero) Grazing System

In the face of reduced land resources, animals are increasingly being kept in smaller spaces referred to as Zero grazing and being provided with all their feed and water requirements. The zero-grazing system requires high labour and capital inputs. Cattle are confined in a cattle shed and fed on arable fodder crops and feed supplements carried to them. The forage is chopped and given to the cattle in a feed trough. The cattle are milked in a dairy, and the calves are reared in calf pens. The cattle are watered inside the shed, hence the need for piped water.

Characteristics of a functional cow shed

• It must be clean and hygienic. There must be sufficient shelter so that the animal is protected from excessive rain, cold weather, wind and sun.
• The cow shed should have sufficient space for a calf pen(s), a dairy, a chaff cutter and a store.
• It must be comfortable and provide permanent access to fresh, clean water and feeds.

Put up the cow shed on your own if you are skilled. Use local materials such as wattle trees, eucalyptus tree posts and sisal posts instead of cedar posts and sawn timber, which are expensive. These measures will help you cut costs.

The cubicle cow shed

The cubicle cowshed has three areas, namely,

1. The resting and sleeping cubicles
2. The cattle and manuring place
3. The cattle forage, feeding and watering place