BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 



167 



of keeping the standings clear of faeces and urine because, with a 

 clear space in front of them, the cows have more forward move- 

 ment than is the case when they are tied close to the wall. At 

 feeding time the animals press forward in their eagerness for food, 

 and in so doing move away from the dung channel behind them with 

 the consequence that excreta is dropped on to the standing instead 

 of into the drain, and cows almost invariably void their excreta 

 when they rise to their feet. This is a very important objection 



FIG. 71. Section of a single byre without a feeding passage. It is fitted 

 with Findlay's air outlet system and direct fireclay air inlets. . The 

 dimensions given are suitable for large cows. 



to the use of feeding passages. Attempts to prevent the animals 

 moving forward by placing bars or similar obstacles in front of them 

 are not always successful. It is questionable if any economy in 

 labour is really effected by the use of these passages because what is 

 gained in one way is lost in another. On the whole, dairymen do not 

 regard feeding passages with favour. Should, however, a feeding 

 passage be desired it must have a minimum width of 4 feet. The 

 flooring must be of impervious material such as cement concrete and 

 be laid so that it can be easily cleaned. 



Stalls. The actual area on which a cow should stand and lie, 

 that is the size of the stall, is necessarily limited so as to prevent 



