24 



BULLETIN No. 143 



.[February, 



except at feeding and milking time, when they are placed in rigid 

 stanchions. It must be distinctly understood that rigid stanchions 

 are strongly condemned as a cow tie, where cows are to remain 

 in them all night, but as they are here used merely to hold the 

 cow during milking, they are both economical and convenient. 



Running cows loose in this manner is an excellent method, 

 where bedding is abundant and sufficient space is available, as the 

 cows are more comfortable, and all fertility is saved. There is no 

 waste from leaching, as when the manure lies exposed to the 

 weather. This method saves the labor of cleaning the stable, as 

 the manure is loaded into the spreader and hauled directly upon 



FlG. 21. COWS IN STANCHION AT MILKING TIME. 



the land whenever convenient, and the land is in the best condition 

 to receive it.* 



Three gates are hung on posts at the outside wall, and when 

 box stalls are needed, these are swung around to the manger, as 



*For a more detailed discussion of the advantages of keeping cows in this manner, see 

 Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station Circular No. 93. 



