Many farms have a crowd gate that complements their milking system. Before a cow ever reaches the parlor, it probably encounters a crowd gate. Unfortunately, these gates are often misused. Carolina Pinzón, a dairy outreach specialist with University of Wisconsin-Madison extension, reminded farm teams how to properly use crowd gates to ensure better animal welfare in a recent extension e-newsletter.
A crowd gate is a movable barrier that runs from the back of the holding area to the front as it gently guides cows into the milking parlor. As more cows go through the parlor, the crowd gate will slowly move up, creating less space in the holding area for them to stand in. This gently nudges them to enter the parlor when it is their turn. This gate can either be controlled automatically or manually, depending on what type of gate the farmer has installed. Although these gates make milking more efficient, people tend to make mistakes with crowd gates.
The first common mistake is overcrowding of the holding area. This happens when the pen is filled over capacity with cows, making it difficult for them to move and stand properly. Some tell-tale signs that the holding area is overcrowded are cows with their heads up, being unable to plant four feet fully on the ground, and looking restless and uncomfortable. This can become a bigger problem during the summer months as cows generate more body heat, causing heat stress and discomfort. “Maintaining appropriate stocking densities in holding areas is crucial for cow welfare. Recommended stocking density per cow in the holding area is at least 20 square feet,” noted Pinzón.
Impatience can get the best of us, causing employees to use the crowd gate to push cows into the parlor faster by moving the gate too quickly, positioning the gate too close, and pushing the cows too aggressively. This can lead to discomfort, fear, pain, stress, and potential injury.
Instead, provide a positive experience for the cows that are being held in the holding area. Consider using familiar sound cues, like bells, to train cows to move forward into the parlor instead of relying on the movement and sound of the gate. “The crowd gate should remain at least 3 feet behind the cows, rather than being tight against their backs,” warned the dairy specialist.
It is common practice to let the gate guide the cows, rather than employees. Employees entering the holding area to guide and fetch cows into the parlor can create confusion. Pinzón said, “Without consistent cues, cows may become unsure whether to enter the parlor when the gate moves or when they are chased. There are also safety concerns for workers who can be trapped, pushed against, or crushed by cows or the crowd gate.” To minimize safety risk, train employees on cow handling and the proper use of crowd gates. “The door from the parlor pit to the holding area should remain closed during most of the milking process. This physical reminder is to discourage workers from entering the holding area,” she said. The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) animal care program requires continuing education on stockmanship once a year.
Crowd gates are used every day on most farms, and how we manage them will ultimately lead to better – or worse – cow comfort and production. Train workers on proper use and routinely maintain the gate for wear and tear. A comfortable environment for the cows will create a positive experience for them prior to milking.
