The following is a plan view of a combined robot milking unit and cow housing for Claire and John who plan to convert their suckler farm to a dairy farm. (i) Explain why they have included an isolation area on the plan. (ii) Describe the purpose of the footbath. (iii) Outline one reason why Claire and John would have opted to install a robotic milking machine rather than a traditional herringbone or rotary parlour. (iv) Place an X on the plan view above to show one place where you would advise Claire and John to install slatted tanks. Give a reason for your answer.

Leaving Cert Agricultural Science Animal Production: The following is a plan view of

The following is a plan view of a combined robot milking unit and cow housing for Claire and John who plan to convert their suckler farm to a dairy farm - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 11(b) - 2021

Question 11(b)

The following is a plan view of a combined robot milking unit and cow housing for Claire and John who plan to convert their suckler farm to a dairy farm. (i) Explai... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The following is a plan view of a combined robot milking unit and cow housing for Claire and John who plan to convert their suckler farm to a dairy farm - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 11(b) - 2021

Step 1

Explain why they have included an isolation area on the plan.

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Answer

The isolation area is crucial for separating any sick or injured animals from the rest of the herd. This measure helps prevent the spread of diseases to other cows or even to humans during treatment procedures. It is a necessary facility to ensure biosecurity and maintain a healthy environment on the farm.

Step 2

Describe the purpose of the footbath.

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Answer

The footbath serves to disinfect or clean boots, preventing the entry of diseases onto or off the farm. This is an essential biosecurity practice that minimizes the risk of spreading infections among livestock.

Step 3

Outline one reason why Claire and John would have opted to install a robotic milking machine rather than a traditional herringbone or rotary parlour.

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Answer

One significant advantage of a robotic milking machine is that it offers a better work-life balance. It requires less manual labor from the farmers while potentially increasing the milk yield from each cow. This automation improves efficiency and allows for more flexible management of the dairy operation.

Step 4

Place an X on the plan view above to show one place where you would advise Claire and John to install slatted tanks. Give a reason for your answer.

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Answer

I would advise placing the slatted tanks in areas where cows stand in the feeding passage, particularly behind the cubicles and near the entry or exit points to the grazing area. This location is optimal because areas with high levels of slurry or where cows gather for feeding tend to require efficient waste management, thus ensuring cleanliness and reducing odors.

The following is a plan view of a combined robot milking unit and cow housing for Claire and John who plan to convert their suckler farm to a dairy farm - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 11(b) - 2021

Worked Solution & Example Answer:The following is a plan view of a combined robot milking unit and cow housing for Claire and John who plan to convert their suckler farm to a dairy farm - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 11(b) - 2021

Explain why they have included an isolation area on the plan.

Describe the purpose of the footbath.

Outline one reason why Claire and John would have opted to install a robotic milking machine rather than a traditional herringbone or rotary parlour.

Place an X on the plan view above to show one place where you would advise Claire and John to install slatted tanks. Give a reason for your answer.

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