This is a very nice new building in Carmarthenshire, South Wales. It houses 300 cows, complete with a new milking parlour, calf area and dry cow yards. It was completed December 2012.
This unit is owned by Andrew Thomas and family, of Penygraig, Carmarthenshire. Mr Thomas spent a long time working with Ivor Davey of Wilson Agriculture, in order to finalise the design. Additionally, they visited several Wilson Agriculture installations around the UK to ensure the cubicles were maximising comfort for the cows.
These are C50 stalls and moovapillow brisket barriers. The beds are a deep sawdust bed on a fully slatted unit. This is not a standard Wilson Agriculture bed design, however Mr Thomas was keen to have the deep bed system. The management of this unit is excellent, however this bed design involves a lot of work to ensure it is clean and dry.
A similar system which would be easier to manage, would be the Pack Mat system. This involves installing a mattress below the level of the heel curb. This will enable the comfort of deep beds, but the management of only a small depth of bedding.
Mr Thomas said: “…as of May 2013, the herd is averaging 32 litres/day, which is an increase of 4 litres per cow, compared to the old housing.”
Overall, they are extremely pleased with the performance of the building and the comfort and production of the cows.
This building was worked on in conjunction with Bryan Elkins & Son Ltd, from Narberth, Carmarthenshire. Wilson Agriculture have many agents and dealers around Europe and we normally have a contact close to you. Please contact us for more information on the products and services we offer.
