THE DAIRY BARN 



143 



so that the cows may be arranged in order of size and fit 

 the platform. The same result may be accomplished by 

 havi tig the platform on one side of the barn wider than that 



Fi i. 39. Cross section of a barn with cows facing the center. The style 

 of ni mger may be varied as shown in Fig. 41. The length of the platform 

 shou d be varied to suit the breed. 



on 1 he other. The width of the platform from manger to 

 guti er should vary to suit the breed. The length of platform 

 needed for animals from 2 years old to the largest cows is 

 give n in Table 18. 



TA3LE 18. LENGTH OF PLATFORM REQUIRED FOR DIFFERENT 



BREEDS 



The platform should slope about one inch from the manger 

 to the gutter. It is better to have it rise half the way back 

 and then slope to the gutter. This helps to prevent the 

 front feet from slipping and causing injury to the knees. A 

 very good platform can be made by laying 2 inches of con- 

 crete, then a layer of tar paper, and on this place 1J to 2 

 inches of concrete. The paper extends to within about 4 

 inches of the gutter. The tar paper prevents moisture from 



