Gating system is key feature of dairy unit

It may have been two years in its planning and development phase, but Banbridge milk producer George Mitchell is extremely happy with his new dairy house, which provides bespoke accommodation for his young stock and dry cows.
Teemore Engineering's  Fergal Quinn (left) and Banbridge milk producer George Mitchell standing in front a new guillotine gateTeemore Engineering's  Fergal Quinn (left) and Banbridge milk producer George Mitchell standing in front a new guillotine gate
Teemore Engineering's Fergal Quinn (left) and Banbridge milk producer George Mitchell standing in front a new guillotine gate

The new 160’ by 40’ shed, which can hold up to 160 cattle, is an extension to the existing dairy unit on the farm. The tank below the new shed is 166’ x 40’ However, the significance of the new structure lies in the fact that the Mitchell family now have sufficient accommodation for all of their stock on the home farm. George farms with his father Hans and two sons - Alexander and Steven.

“Up to this point, we had to put heifers in sheds on an out farm some distance away,” George explained.

“And feeding the cattle took a lot of time each day. Now, however, all the animals in the herd can be housed in the home yard.”

The Mitchells’ 200-strong Edenordinary pedigree Holstein herd is currently averaging 9,338L per cow. Calving takes place between September and June.

“We started digging the new tank in 2014 and gradually developed the project from that point on. Teemore Engineering was commissioned to design and install the internal fittings of the new unit.”

A key feature of the new shed is the inclusion of seven Guillotine gating systems.

“They work an absolute treat,” George confirmed.

“The gates can be easily pulled down or pushed up. This means that we can easily pen off cows when we need to within the shed. Opening and closing traditional gates only adds to the clutter within a house.

“The new gating systems ensures very effective animal flow within the shed, particularly at times when we are dosing or undergoing a TB test.”

Teemore’s Fergal Quinn was a recent visitor to the Mitchell farm.

“The guillotine gates are extremely innovative,” he confirmed.

“They operate on the basis of a counterweight mechanism, very similar to that employed in old sash windows.

“As a result, they can be easily moved up and down. A key benefit of the guillotine system is the fact that the actual gate is not resting in slurry when not in use: this adds to the lifetime of the system.”

The new shed features cubicles that meet the specific needs of animals from six months of age right up to the mature cow stage. The Mitchells opted for the Jourdain design, which features the unique Zig Zag head rail.

“This encourages the cow to stand straight before lying down,” Fergal explained. “It also ensures the cow will lie straighter, thereby optimising cow comfort and cleanliness.”

Teemore-supplied cow mattresses, poly pillow brisket boards for dry cows and rolled rubber mats for the younger heifers also feature in the new shed.

The Mitchells have completed their first winter, in terms of working in the unit.

“Everything has gone according to plan,” George Mitchell concluded.

“Prior to this we would have spent two hours every day feeding and managing young stock on an out farm. Now, everything is close at hand. The investment made means that we can manage our heifers and dry cows to the highest standards.”

For further information, contact Teemore Engineering on (028) 6774 8377.